Sunday, July 20, 2014

Buying an HDTV Converter

HDTV is no longer the future of television. In fact, it is quickly becoming today's TV standard. Pretty soon, most networks will be broadcasting their shows in High Definition format and unless you want to be left behind, you can either purchase your own HDTV or buy an HDTV converter.
Before you buy an HDTV converter, though, you have to understand what it does and more importantly, what it does not do. HDTV converters receive digital signals, including HD signals, and simplify them by converting them into analog signals that your TV can understand. They do NOT convert your analog TV into an HDTV. In fact, they cannot, since it takes more than the capacity to receive digital signals to make a TV into an HDTV. Remember, superior picture and audio quality are the trademarks of HDTVs.
HDTV converters are also not to be confused with HDTV tuners. HDTV tuners receive HD signals from sources such as cable and satellite TV boxes and Blu-Ray players then decode them so they can be properly displayed on the HDTV. Some HDTVs already come with built-in HDTV tuners and are labeled as Full HD while those that do not are tagged as HD Ready. If you have an HD Ready TV, you need an HDTV tuner, but not an HD converter. Remember, HDTV converters are only used with analog TVs.
Now that you know what HDTV converters do, you can go ahead and start looking for one to buy. You will be faced with several choices, and to find the best one, the most important factor to consider are the features. One such feature is the Analog (RF) Passthrough. This way, you can receive digital signals and still get analog signals from the networks that continue to use them. After all, while many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting, some will not, and unless you want to keep on plugging and unplugging your HD converter, getting one with an Analog Passthrough feature is recommended to get both types of broadcast signals.
Another feature to look for is the S-video (Super Video) Output. Although not superior to component video, S-video offers better picture quality than the standard composite video, which results in sharper images - although not nearly as sharp as those you would see on an HDTV.
You can get better sound quality with an HD converter, too, if you buy one with Stereo Output. Again, this is not nearly as crisp or clear as the sound of an HDTV, but it is still better, especially if you connect it to a surround sound system, like the one that comes with HDTVs.
Other recommended features include Smart Antenna support and an Electronic Program Guide or EPG which lets you flip through your programming options with the press of a button instead of consulting a TV guide on paper and even without a cable subscription. Some EPGs even allow you to make your own personalized list of favorite TV shows and networks while some provide more information about each show. You might want to choose a converter with a universal remote control included, as well, although this is not that important.
Aside from the features of the HD converter, check the brand, as well, along with the cost. Some converters can be purchased for free if you get a coupon, but the good ones are not eligible and cost more than a $100. This price is relatively low compared to high-end HDTVs which can cost thousands of dollars. Then again, you can always use the money to start saving for your own HDTV, which definitely offers a far better viewing experience than that of a HDTV converter and analog TV.
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