Newbie Question

[bcshields]

What does "HD-Ready" mean? Does it mean it can receive HD programming or does it mean it needs another component before it can receive HD programming?

 

[Kevinw]

HDTV or HD-Ready

During the course of shopping for a digital television, the labels HDTV and HD-Ready maybe of some confusion to the consumer. This HDTV designation signifies that the set has an internal ATSC tuner/decoder, as well as meeting the widescreen specifications often required to be considered a true HDTV. The sets will meet the requirement to display in 1080i/720p, although it is often the former only. Very few digital TVs on the market will display in native 720p. The lack of an ATSC tuner/decoder is not necessarily a negative as many set-top decoders are now available with more features than those included in the integrated HDTV. The separate purchase of a HD-Ready TV and the external set-top-box often provides flexibility to the consumer to choose one that offers added features such as satellite receiver and the proper output signal. Most HD-Ready sets will include a high-band component (Y-Pb-Pr) DTV input, although few on the market also offers RGB for this purpose. There have been much debate between manufacturers as to the aspect ratio specifications of the HDTV designation, and it is now recognized that a true HD set will provide widescreen 16:9 aspect screen.

http://www.digitalconnection.com/FAQ/HDTV_6.asp

 

[korsjs]

you will neet a receiver that outputs the hd signals to your tv.

 

[bcshields]

Oh. so the difference is basically that it doesn't have an off air tuner, I would have to buy that seperately, or have a satellite receiver that has one integrated.

and that HD-Ready TV's are basically cheaper, lower end equipment which might not have a bunch of different aspect ratios to mess around with, basically stuck with 1 or 2.

Gotcha.

 

[Kevinw]

Oh. so the difference is basically that it doesn't have an off air tuner, I would have to buy that seperately, or have a satellite receiver that has one integrated.

and that HD-Ready TV's are basically cheaper, lower end equipment which might not have a bunch of different aspect ratios to mess around with, basically stuck with 1 or 2.

Gotcha.

I would not really say lower end. Some TV's come with better electronics,lenses,CRT's and eliminate a most likely redundant part of the TV. Most people do not bother with an internal tuner becasue they use a provider like cable or Satellite.

Aspect Ratios? 99% of all HD TV's only come in one ratio -16:9
Now if you mean stretch/Zoom modes..there are really not many differences between TV's in quantity but there are differences in quality with Toshiba and Hitachi being some of the better at stretching.
Yes for OTA you will need a seperate tuner wether it is incorporated into Sat reciver or a stand alone OTA only. Cablke boxes do not do OTA.

 

[Tech27]

BC if you haven't bought one yet I highly recomend you check out Son'y line of HDTV's. Side by side picture comparison the sony usually wins hands down. The only TV I've seen come close to it was a Toshiba. Just my opnions.