Jim, inline below...............
At 14:40 04/07/2008 -0700, you wrote:
Duncan,
If I remember correctly from you original post, don't you run several VCRs
in your system? If so, you will still run into a problem trying to utilize
them when the analog signals go black.
Yes, Jim I do still own 3 old analog VCR boxes. Yes, I accept that they
are still at risk. If I get two of the "DTV-boxes", I will dedicate them
to two of the VCR's. The third VCR is inside a combo 20" TV/VCR/DVD box in
the bedroom. I can give this whole unit to my oldest nephew if/when he
ever gets his 1st apt.
IIRC, all televisions above a certain size now require a built in ATSC
tuner, so any TV you purchase will be able to receive OTA hdtv. If you are
talking about a pure monitor (as in for a computer), then you would need
some sort of external tuner.
Well, yes, I do get this. My confusion is over the acromyn-clutter. I
assume that if you tell me a given device has an 'HDTV' tuner built in,
that means it will by default also receive DTV. Am I correct?
Personally, I would look at 1080p capable sets, although these are larger
and more expensive. The smaller ones are usually 720p.
Yes, the initial purchase for the bedroom will be a 720p. When I get to
the livingroom change I will be planning 1080p. The garage will be
whatever the budget allows......... :)
The more inputs, the more versatile the hdtv. If you just want to hook up a
coax cable, then the other inputs are extraneous. I was surprised how fast
the inputs disappeared on my HDTV: Coax cable input for analog and clear QAM
stations on cable, 2 component for DVD and Cable Box (with PVR), HDMI for
computer and VGA for second computer. If you want to hook up a game console,
extra HDMI ports are useful.
OK, so I can equate HDMI ports as potential console game ports to the screen?
I remember trying to figure out all the angles of HDTV before my Christmas
2007 purchase. I do not regret the expense of purchasing an HDTV. The
difference between analog and HD is dramatic. Be forwarned, the old analog
shows don't hold up to HDTV too well. I find watching them in a smaller
window via my computer to give a better overall presentation.
Understand. I will just have to go thru this beaded portal myself and get
used to what happens visually on the other side. I view this as a one-way
transit due to 2/2/09 anyway.......
At least in my area, Comcast has told me that I will continue to receive
analog signals for most stations after the Feb 2009 deadline, so I am
keeping several analog televisions and my investment in DVR equipment.
I get my TV OTA. Comcast is the local robber-baron here. I plan to wait
until our local electric company completes their FIOS build-out to review a
subscription service. I do have DISH, DirectTV, and dedicated (expensive,
tweaky) SAT services also available. I expect that AT&T will also enter
the market before too long. Can not justify ATM.
Best,
Duncan
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