HDTV tuner

[kenimpzoom]

I have a Sony big screen with DVI inputs (HDTV ready), but no HDTV tuner.

I want to add a standalone tuner and receive the free HDTV broadcasts.

Anyone done this yet? You cant find these tuners in the stores, I have only seen them on the internet and they are way overpriced. Some of them are more expensive than a new HDTV TV. I guess they want you to buy a new TV not retrofit your old TV.



I just got a 19 inch HDTV for the kitchen and the picture is amazing and it is totally free. Once I get the other tuner for the big screen, I can kiss the super basic cable goodbye!

Ken

 

[tommays]

Re: HDTV tuner

Ken

What price range are you looking i found them between 100 and 200 dollars


Tommays

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: HDTV tuner

Well the government promised boxes would be available for 25-50 dollars. So far, I have found the cheapest at around 100 dollars.

But you can buy a whole new HDTV TV for less than 200 dollars.

Oh well, they gotta make their money somehow.

FYI, I have found the website www.antennaweb.org very helpful on what channels are available in my area.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: HDTV tuner

Sounds like I will be able to get one for for almost free come January.

http://www.dtvanswers.com/dtv_converterbox.html

I dont know if it will have DVI or HDMI outputs, I doubt it.

I found the Samsung tuner for $170 at the electronics retailers, I will wait till January to buy it, hopefully the price will drop when the cheapo boxes come out. I hope I can use the FCC coupon for the Samsung box as well.

Ken

 

[PAkev]

Re: HDTV tuner

Our local TV station indicates there will be rebates or coupons offered beginning in 2008.

http://wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=7030636

They didn't give too many details but if this will be across the board with the industry you may wish to wait for two months.

 

[tommays]

Re: HDTV tuner

The boxs in the links are only D to A conveters so a STANDARD TV can be used with the digital standard


Unlikely to have any high cost parts like DVI or HDMI connectors


What TV are you getting at 200 the small Vizio at 399 is about the cheep i have seen with full modern features like HDMI and DHCP




Tommays

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: HDTV tuner

Wife just bought me a Sanyo at WalMart for 250. It is a 15" and perfect for the wall in the kitchen. I think they have cheaper models, but the Sanyo was the best brand name.

Ken

 

[JB]

Re: HDTV tuner

Don't take http://www.antennaweb.org/ as gospel. It told me that there are no digital stations serving my area. I currently receive about 10 on my antenna (with booster) and would get four more if I raise it another 10 feet.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: HDTV tuner

What brand / boost amount / cost booster did ya get JB?

I am a little bit POed about having to use boosters cause all that means is the TV tuner is weak. Seems like the booster should be built in with the TV.

I am currently using one too, but it came with the antenna, and isnt much of a boost. I get all channels though.

Ken

 

[JB]

Re: HDTV tuner

I wasn't getting any digital broadcast channels, but all DFW analog channels so I hired a local antenna specialist. I thought he would put up a tower with a gazillion elements but all he did was replace the lead in coax and put the booster in my office closet. Don't know any of the specs. Charged me $175, total.

My Radio Shack "75 mile" UHF/VHF antenna (which I already had) is only about 20' above grade and I am about 50-75 miles from the transmitters. . .all in about the same direction. He told me that I could get the rest of the DFW digital channels if I put up a 40' tower (for about $400.).

 

[orion25]

Re: HDTV tuner

The government coupons will be for $40. You can get 2 coupons per household. Best Buy and other retailers will have the boxes in early 2008.