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HDTV vs HDTV-ReadyThere is a difference! To make it EZ to understand, if your HDTV set does not have a digital tuner*, it will probably be labeled "HDTV-Ready." *A digital (ATSC) tuner receives the digital signal (which includes high-definition), and allows the television to display digital programming. HDTV-Ready means that your TV set is capable of displaying analog and high-definition (HD) digital pictures, but without a digital tuner, it cannot receive the digital signal. An HDTV-Ready requires an external high-definition TV receiver (digital tuner) in order to receive HDTV signals. These external receivers can be called an HDTV Tuner, set-top-box, decoder or DTV Converter Box .
If you subscribe to cable or satellite , you can buy or rent digital converter boxes directly from them. If you get your TV signal over-the-air , and want to receive a digital picture, you will also need a converter box of some type. After the Analog to Digital Transition on February 17, 2009, when TV broadcast stations transmit only digital signals, you will have to buy a DTV Converter Box to continue watching TV, which includes HDTV . As an added bonus, over-the-air HDTV is free! If you have an HDTV with a built-in digital (ATSC) tuner (which manufactures must include after March 1, 2007) , your set will internally receive and display analog and digital signals without an external receiver. This applies to cable, satellite and over-the air broadcasts. It is important to note that if you have a digital TV set with a digital tuner, you won't be affected by the transition.
Does my TV set have a Digital Tuner? Without a review of your owner’s manual, it may be difficult to know if your TV has a digital tuner. Here are some general guidelines:
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