Built-in vs. Separate HDreceiver

[jedivader]

Just want to get everyones opinion/preference plus reasoning on going with a RPTV with built-in tuner or adding a HDreceiver.

I have had both and right now I lean towards the built-in because of the convenience. One less box to put somehwere and one less remote. Plus, I can only hook my OTA antenna to it to get HD, I can't run the cable wire into the receiver at the same time. With the built-in, the cable and OTA were running through. I have basic cable but for some reason I was picking up the WB in HD plus the NBA Season Pass and Starz. The built-in is more expensive but I'm starting to think that the convenience is worht it.

[mjones73]

It's a matter of who you plan to get your HD through, sounds like you were getting clear QAM broadcasts when you hooked your cable up to it.

[oman321]

Currently for the price difference, I would buy a set with an ATSC tuner vs. one without. Reason being that, not all locals are carried by Sat or Cable providers. Also if signal or service is lost you would have a back up. The cost difference of a set with a built in HD tuner is probably less than buying a set without one and then buying a seperate OTA STB. Convenience goes a long way as well.

[jedivader]

Actually, buying a seperate HDreceiver and adding it to the 51F510 is still about $140 cheaper than the built-in KDP51WS655. That is including warranty and taxes.

I am just keeping basic cable and OTA (at some point it might just be OTA). Do not plan on adding a dish or digital/HD cable.

[oman321]

"is still about $140 cheaper than the built-in"

That gap seems to be shrinking, and will vary. I have seen sets with & without built in tuners with price differential being roughly about $200.00. Cheapest OTA STB's brand new are not much cheaper than that.

[stuckinthemud]

I think it boils down to three things. Space, Cost and who's your provider going to be.

I chose to use Cable as a provider. I have no need for a ATSC tuner. Why spend the money on it?

Now that I made that decision, watch me move and change my mind. LOL

Nate