A three-step guide to receiving HDTV signals! Great guide for OTA

[SyZyGy]

A three-step guide to receiving HDTV signals.
You used to be able to buy a TV, plug it into an antenna or cable outlet, and start flipping channels. It was an amazingly simple system. Digital television and its high-resolution subsystem, high-definition television, aren't quite as plug-and-play . . . yet. Antennas only pick up high-def signals in some markets; cable usually doesn't pick them up at all. Satellite seems like a good bet, but it doesn't offer everything. Plus, certain DTV tuners don't work with certain displays. It's enough to drive any self-respecting videophile to drink (not that we'd fault you for that). But there is hope. The following three-step guide is intended to make setting up an HDTV system easier than following that other multistep program. First, figure out what sources are available to you, then find a tuner that works with those sources. Finally, buy a high-definition display that works with that tuner.


A. A larger UHF/VHF antenna receives channels 2 through 83 and is good for general TV reception.

Step 1: Determining Your Source Options
You'll need to do some homework before you embark on your quest for DTV. Fortunately for you, we've provided most of the info right here in this article. HDTV is available from three different places. The first and most abundant source is terrestrial (over-the-air) broadcasts that you receive through an aerial (rooftop) antenna. Depending on where you live, you might even be able to use rabbit ears or a bow-tie-type antenna, or you could install a larger antenna in your attic. In most places, a $30-to-$40 UHF/VHF rooftop antenna from RadioShack will do the trick. This is currently the best way to receive primetime network broadcasts from ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. For a listing of the programs these networks broadcast in DTV/HDTV, see the chart in our News section.

Figure 1 (link at sidebar) provides a listing from the Federal Communications Commission (www.fcc.gov/mmb/vsd/files/dtvonair.html) and the National Association of Broadcasters (www.nab.org/newsroom/issues/digitaltv/dtvstations.asp) of stations that, as of April 25, 2001, are broadcasting digital television signals. See if your local stations are on the list. Also, note which channels these stations are using for their DTV broadcasts. If all the channels are in the UHF range (channels 14 through 83), you'll only need a UHF antenna, which is much smaller than a VHF antenna. Otherwise, you'll probably need to get an antenna that can pull in both UHF and VHF.

Next, you'll want to determine if you can receive these terrestrial transmissions, and the Consumer Electronics Association has a Website for just this purpose: www.antennaweb.org. Type in your address, and the site will give you a map of your area, like the one in Figure 2. Then, depending on which stations you want to receive, the site will tell you exactly what type of antenna system you'll need. In most cases, all of the local transmitters are in one location. You need to be within at least 60 miles of the transmitter, and your line of sight to it should be unobstructed. In other words, there should be no mountain ranges between you and the transmitter. If the local TV stations' transmitters are in two locations, you may need a special antenna or an antenna rotor. If you can receive analog signals from an antenna, you can probably receive digital signals, as well. For $30 (the cost of the antenna), it's worth testing. I was surprised by how many addresses I tested that came back with positive results.


B. A smaller UHF antenna (or the front portion of a UHF/VHF antenna) receives channels 14 through 83, where most DTV stations reside.

The second most common source of HDTV signals is satellite transmissions. DirecTV offers one HBO channel and a part-time pay-per-view channel in high-definition. DISH Network offers both HBO and Showtime channels in high-definition, in addition to a 24-hour pay-per-view channel. Roughly 60 percent of the movies on HBO and Showtime are in true HDTV; the rest are upconverted from NTSC. Neither service provider offers primetime network programming in HDTV. In other words, you won't see The Tonight Show in high-def via satellite. Almost anyone can receive satellite signals, although you may want to check with your dealer, just in case. DISH Network's satellites, for example, are very low on the southern horizon.

In some regions, certain cable systems carry HDTV broadcasts. Which channels these cable systems carry will vary from region to region. Please understand that a "digital cable system" has nothing to do with DTV transmitted via cable. Digital cable is nothing more than regular cable transmitted digitally, albeit with more channels. It's similar to digital satellite. If your cable operator offers digital cable, it's more likely that they also offer DTV on cable (thanks to the additional capacity), but it's not guaranteed. You should contact your local cable operator to find out if they offer HDTV via their cable system. If they do, you might need a specific HDTV cable receiver from them. Be sure the cable tuner is compatible with your display (see below).


Step 2: The Tuner
To grab, decode, and convert HDTV signals into a form that's usable by the TV, you'll need an HDTV tuner. A true HDTV has a tuner built into its display. There are very few displays with built-in tuners, and for good reason: Tuner technology has advanced further and faster and has gotten cheaper than display technology. You're generally better off with an HD monitor (a display without an HDTV tuner) that can be coupled with a tuner now or in the future.
Once you've determined what sources are available to you, you can narrow down the vast number of tuner options. If DTV on cable is an option, you can receive the signals via a tuner available from your cable provider or possibly from a terrestrial tuner. Otherwise, terrestrial tuners can only pick up over-the-air signals and, until recently, were expensive. Fortunately, most high-definition satellite receivers can also tune terrestrial signals and, subsequently, some cable signals. There are many more HD-DBS receivers on the market now than there were a year ago, and compatibility problems between these tuners and various displays are mostly limited to connection type.

Step 3: The Tuner/Display Interface
In reality, you'll probably buy the TV before the tuner. Just be sure to read step 1 before you go to step 2. Regardless, the TV must be able to accept the tuner's signal. Most HDTV signals are transmitted from the tuner to the display via one of two different analog forms: Y/Pb/Pr (aka component) or five-wire RGBHV (also technically known as component, but it's usually referred to as just RGB). Two different digital-signal types, IEEE 1394 (aka FireWire) and DVI/HDCP may appear in coming months. Y/Pb/Pr uses three colored plugs, but its signal has a wider bandwidth than that used for DVD. A TV with a component DVD input doesn't guarantee HDTV compatibility. RGB uses five connectors. Both analog formats can utilize professional-style BNC connectors, regular phono plugs, or a computer-monitor-like D-Sub 15-pin connector. FireWire connectors are small U-shaped jacks, while DVI uses a multipin connector.


The CEA's antenna Website will provide you with a map that displays where the local stations' transmitters are in relation to your home.

The most important thing is that both the tuner and the display use the same signal type. In other words, a tuner with a Y/Pb/Pr output must connect to a TV with wide-bandwidth Y/Pb/Pr inputs. The more signal types a TV can accept (or a tuner can output), the better. Connectors are easily converted; signal types are not. You can get a BNC-to-phono converter for a few bucks, but an RGB-to-Y/Pb/Pr transcoder (or vice versa) will set you back a few hundred dollars.

The general trend in the industry seems to be moving toward digital connectors, which offer a cleaner signal path and studio-mandated copy protection. Most manufacturers support FireWire for its networking capability and ability to be legitimately recorded. Mitsubishi and Sony have already introduced models with IEEE 1394 inputs, but these sets also have analog inputs. DVI signals, while less expensive to implement in the display, are too large to be recorded. There's undoubtedly going to be some backwards-compatibility, as new sets will have both analog and digital inputs.

I should point out that there are unsubstantiated rumors, specifically in regard to satellite and cable signals, that future tuners might only offer digital HDTV outputs and that unauthorized HD signals will be downconverted for the analog outputs on these and any existing satellite receivers. Hollywood is certainly pushing for this scenario, but most of the people I've talked to argue that this will never happen. If this did occur, it would not apply to terrestrial signals and might only apply to some movie programming. Only one manufacturer, Mitsubishi, has made an official pledge to upgrade existing sets to accommodate a digital signal.

Also, while some tuners and displays offer various scan-rate outputs (i.e., 720p or 1080i), most TVs will accept any scan rate and internally convert the signal to the rate needed for the display. This may be a concern for videophiles (an issue for a different article) but won't usually be an issue in terms of receiving and viewing HDTV signals. If you're concerned, make sure the tuner's output scan rate matches the display's input and that the number is at least 720 lines or higher.

No matter what, the future of HDTV is certain. Congress has mandated that analog-TV transmissions cease and that digital broadcasts take over. While the transition may be difficult, this three-step plan will hopefully clear up any confusion. All you need is a source—be it an antenna, satellite dish, or cable signal—a tuner, and a compatible display. Upon completion of the plan, you should be enjoying HDTV, along with that cocktail of choice.



FIGURE 1.
Analog Channel Digital Channel
ATLANTA
WSB 2 39
WXIA 11 10
WGCL 46 19
WAGA 5 27
AUGUSTA
WRDW 12 31
AUSTIN
KXAN 36 21
BALTIMORE
WBAL 11 59
WMAR 2 52
WMPT 22 42
WBFF 45 46
WJZ 13 38
BATON ROUGE
WLPB 27 25
BOSTON
WBZ 4 30
WCVB 5 20
WMUR 9 59
WHUB 66 23
WFXT 25 31
WHDH 7 42
WENH 11 57
CHARLOTTE
WBTV 3 23
WCNC 36 22
WSOC 9 34
WCCB 18 27
CHICAGO
WFLD 32 31
WCPX 38 43
WSNS 44 45
WMAQ 5 29
WLS 7 52
WGN 9 19
CINCINNATI
WLWT 5 35
WKRC 12 31
WCPO 9 10
WXIX 19 29
CLEVELAND
WMFD 68 12
WKYC 3 2
WEWS 5 15
WOIO 19 10
WJW 8 31
COLUMBIA
WRLK 35 32
COLUMBUS
WBNS 10 21
DALLAS
WFAA 8 9
KDFW 4 35
KXAS 5 41
KTVT 11 19
KTXA 21 18
KDAF 33 32
KERA 13 14
DENVER
KMGH 7 17
KDVR 31 32
KRMA 6 18
DETROIT
WXYZ 7 41
WJBK 2 58
WDIV 4 45
WWJ 62 44
WTVS 56 43
WKBD 50 14
EUGENE
KOAC 7 39
FRESNO-VISALIA
KFSN 30 9
GRAND RAPIDS
WOOD 8 7
GREENVILLE-NEW
BERN-WASHINGTON
WCTI 12 48
GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG
WSPA 7 53
HARRISBURG
WITF 33 36
WGAL 8 58
HARTFORD/NEW HAVEN
WTNH 8 10
WFSB 3 33
HONOLULU
KITV 4 40
KMAU 12 29
KHVO 13 18
HOUSTON
KHOU 11 31
KPRC 2 35
KRIV 26 27
KTRK 13 32
KUHT 8 9
INDIANAPOLIS
WTHR 13 46
WISH 8 9
WRTV 6 25
WXIN 59 45
JACKSON
WMPN 29 20
JACKSONVILLE-BRUNSWICK
WTLV 12 13
KANSAS CITY, MO
KCPT 19 18
LANSING
WLNS 6 59
LAS VEGAS
KLAS 8 7
LOS ANGELES
KABC 7 53
KCBS 2 60
KCAL 9 43
KNBC 4 36
KTLA 5 31
KCOP 13 66
KTTV 11 65
KCET 28 59
KWHY 22 42
LOUISVILLE
WKPC 15 17
MADISON
WKOW 27 26
WISC 3 50
WMTV 15 19
MIAMI
WSVN 7 8
WPLG 10 9
WFOR 4 22
WPBT 2 18




Analog Channel Digital Channel
MILWAUKEE
WMVS 10 8
WTMJ 4 28
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL
KTCI 17 16
KSTP 5 50
KMSP 9 26
MOBILE
WALA 10 9
NEW YORK
WCBS 2 56
WNYW 5 44
WNBC 4 28
WABC 7 45
WPIX 11 33
WNYE 27 24
NORFOLK-PORTSMOUTH-NEWPORT NEWS
WAVY 10 31
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
KFOR 4 27
ORLANDO/DAYTONA BEACH/MELBOURNE
WOFL 35 22
WFTV 9 39
WESH 2 11
WKMG 6 58
PHILADELPHIA
WPVI 6 64
KYW 3 26
WTXF 29 42
WCAU 10 67
WFMZ 69 46
WNJT 52 43
WHYY 12 55
WLVT 39 62
PHOENIX
KPHO 5 17
KSAZ 10 31
KNXV 15 56
KUTP 45 26
KPNX 12 36
KAET 8 29
PITTSBURGH
WTAE 4 51
WPXI 11 48
KDKA 2 25
PORTLAND, OR
KOPB 10 27
KATU 2 43
KPDX 49 48
KOIN 6 40
KGW 8 46
KPTV 12 30
PORTLAND/AUBURN
WCBB 10 17
QUINCY-HANNIBAL-KEOKUK
WGEM 10 54
RALEIGH
WRAL 5 53
WTVD 11 52
WRAZ 50 49
WNCN 17 55
RENO
KNPB 5 15
ROCHESTER-MASON CITY-AUSTIN
KTTC 10 36
SACRAMENTO
KCRA 3 35
KXTV 10 61
KTXL 40 55
KOVR 13 25
SALISBURY
WBOC 16 21
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
KSL 5 38
KTVX 4 40
KBYU 11 44
SAN DIEGO
KGTV 10 25
KNSD 39 40
KFMB 8 55
KSWB 69 19
SAN FRANCISCO
KGO 7 24
KRON 4 57
KTVU 2 56
KPIX 5 29
KBHK 44 45
KNTV 11 12
KQED 9 30
KICU 36 52
KBWB 20 19
SEATTLE
KOMO 4 38
KCTS 9 41
KING 5 48
KIRO 7 39
KCPQ 13 18
SOUTH BEND
WNDU 16 42
SPOKANE
KXLY 4 13
SPRINGFIELD
WGBY 57 58
ST. LOUIS
KTVI 2 43
KMOV 4 56
KSDK 5 35
KDNL 30 31
TAMPA
WTVT 13 12
WFTS 28 29
WFLA 8 7
WTSP 10 24
TRI-CITIES, TN-VA
WCYB 5 28
WKPT 19 27
WACO-TEMPLE-BRYAN-MCALLEN
KWTX 10 53
WASHINGTON
WJLA 7 39
WUSA 9 34
WRC 4 48
WETA 26 27
WTTG 5 36
WPXW 66 43
WILKES BARRE-SCRANTON
WVIA 44 41

[tviewer]

We needed this!

[kevinw]

If you would like to know what is broadcast in your area tryTitan Tv (http://titantv.com)

[tonov12]

So does all that mean that I won't be able to view primetime HD broadcasts with my DirecTv system? I live in a rural area but still receive the "local" channels over the sat. Will I need to have an OTA antenna to get shows (Alias, CSI, Tonight Show, etc.) in the HD format? I just assumed that if they said "simulcast in HDTV" that I could view it in that format with the sat. system. I'm not sure I can get an antenna that is strong enough to pull in OTA broadcasts from my area. I live nearly 200 mi. from the nearest broadcast point. Thanks for all the info

[kevinw]

I am Sorry to say that is probaly true. As of now only Dish has CBS Hd available to those out side a metro area. Your other choice is a C-band dish-Big honker and a lot of cash. You are an example of a person who wants HD but can not get it.

[zarlor]

The other option is to look at one of the Canadian satellite providers, Bell ExpressVu or StarChoice. Both provide at least some access to American HD feeds from the networks. 200 miles is pretty far to pick up any kind of digital signal. The farthest I have heard of so far was about 90 miles, but you might have a very slim chance with a big outdoor antenna and a signal booster.

For more info on the Canadian providers check out this link. (http://global-cm.net/CAN/canadiansolution.html)

[kevinw]

Lenny, this info is incredible..I am overwhelmed to think that comparable programming in the states cost more plus more of a choice when it comes to HD available programming!!

[zarlor]

Well, it's not completely comparable. While it's true that the Canadian companies do have HD movies and special programming available outside of the U.S. Network HD programming, there are a couple of caveats to be considered. There is no HBO-HD or SHO-HD, or even an HDNet type channel available. Bell ExpressVu, for instance, is really only capable of showing two HD channels at a time and they usually have one channel dedicated to PPV (which you would not be able to order from the U.S. due to a grey area in Canadian law, although there are some not very reputable ways to get it) and the other to the U.S. programming. So what HD movies they do otherwise show tend to be at fairly inconvenient hours and they are pretty heavily staggered out. Not to mention they don't always have a lot of variety in those movies, although they are getting better. (And hopefully with one of the major Cable companies in Canada now pushing to compete by having more HD channels there might be some competition to get us even more of that HD programming on the satellites.)

They do get SOME programming from HBO and HDNet, though, such as "The Sopranos" and "Band of Brothers", but only from their first run through, they haven't shown any of the repeats of the last season, for example. And they also show some HDNet programming, such as most NHL and NLL (National Locarosse League) games, as well as the occasional Boxing special. So some variety is there, but not nearly to the same extent as you can find on DirecTV or Dish Network for non-Network programming.

And while the Canadian channels do offer an incredible miriad of variety (and some things you practically cannot get in the States, such as the vast amount of French language and some other foreign language programming), it's not quite to the same level, overall, as the US satellite providers. Then again, as you also mentioned, they are cheaper, even including the approx. US $50 yearly surcharge for an address broker (unless you have a friend in Canada who will let you use their address, then it's even cheaper. ;)) Not nearly as many movie channels are otherwise available, but I do find their program selection to be a tad more interesting, but that might be more of a personal preference. So there are good points and bad points to going with a Canadian provider. Not to mention that lack of PPV.

For now I can't really get a US provider's signal from my apartment, so Bell ExpressVu it is for me, even when my locals do start broadcasting digitally. Even if I could get DirecTV, though, it would be a tough choice for me to decide which provider I would prefer to go with. Maybe I would just keep them both and get DirecTV with a minimal package so I could get HBO-HD and HDNet. Then I'd stick with BEV for all of the strangely interesting stuff our Canadian friends love to watch. :)

For a good example of what kinds of channels and programming you can find on Bell ExpressVu take a look at Globe TV (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/tv/) and put in a mail code of R3H 0L3 for a TV listing.

[kevinw]

Lenny, I sent the info to my parents in south Texas, Mcallan, becusr thye are former residents of Detroit and Toronto..

[tonov12]

Okay, I'm a pretty good distance from Denver(the only broadcast area in CO). I was just wondering...if you can receive the local "normal" station broadcasts (OTA). Does that mean that you can also receive the HDTV broadcasts? I ask because we can receive those channels via a normal antenna, so I will invest in one if I can receive HDTV signals as well. Thanks for your help.

[zarlor]

The answer is a definitive... maybe. It all depends on how strong of a signal they are sending digitally. Plus, unlike analog, digital is an all or nothing proposition, you don't get a snowy/staticy picture if you have trouble with the reception, you simply get no picture at all or you get a crytstal clear one. That being said some members on this forum have mentioned receiving digital broadcasts as far as 75 miles away from the originating antenna. I believe that common wisdom suggests only a 45 mile average limit, though. Terrain obviously plays a big part in that.

You can try Antenna Web (http://www.antennaweb.org) and look under the Choose and Antenna section. It should give you a better idea of where the stations are broadcasting from and what size antenna you might need (although, possibly with an amplifier) to get those stations.

Also if you check out TitanTV (http://www.titantv.com) (your have to register, but it is free) you can find out exactly which of the Denver stations are broadcasting digitally to give you some idea of what HD content you might be able to get.

[HDTV Wannabe]

Thanks for all of this good info. My problem is that I may have an interference problem with OTA reception. I live within 30 miles of broadcast antennae but have a few trees and possibly a hill in the way. Right now I receive all of the VHF channels clearly and some of the analog UHF channels.

Without spending megabucks on an HDTV and STB is there anyway to test the reception on the digital UHF channels? I have a listing of all of the digital channels and their UHF locations but have not been able to pick up anything on my standard set (which I expected since it can't pickup digital signals)

[zarlor]

Well you don't need an HDTV to find out, but you will need a digital tuner. I'd check out a local store that is selling digital tuners that has a return policy. Then I'd just hook that up to your regular TV (I can't think of a digital STB that doesn't have some form of analog video output) with your antenna hooked into it and see what you can tune in.

If you are getting the VHF and UHF signals pretty clearly then I would think you should have pretty good luck getting in the digital channels, especially since I wouldn't think a few trees would interfere with it, although a hill might. But if you don't, just take the STB back (unless it is a satellite one and you decide to get DirecTV or Dish Network for their HD programming.) That should be a fairly no-risk way of find out if you can get the signals. Although you could also try, if you don't get signal, to get some kind of in-line amplifier, also available at Radio Shack, to see if that will boost the signal enough.

BTW, I noticed I mentioned earlier that digital stations are an all or nothing proposition, and in a way that is technically true, anyone who has watched satellite TV knows that it is possible to get a pixellated or choppy picture from an intermittent signal (such as during a thunderstorm). Just thought I would clear that up a little.

[HDTV Wannabe]

Thanks for the suggestion about the STB. That was going to be my strategy but at least I don't have lug home an HDTV if the STB has an analog output that will enable conventional TV to display HDTV stations in analog form. I am unable to get Satellite due to line of site issues.

I purchased a quality VHF/UHF roof top antenna by Channel Master and used RG6U cable so I think I have those bases covered as far as optimizing the signal path to the TV.

Most big retail stores seem to have a limited availability of STB's and know little about them. Also I have noticed that most have a sat rcvr built-in which is useless for me since I can't get a signal from my location.

Any recommendations for a STB. I plan to purchase either a tube type Sony or Panasonic 36" 4x3 HDTV to go with the STB.

[zarlor]

I don't have any reccomendations. The two I have (an Echostar 6000 and an RCA DTC-100) both work great for me, but I'm not that picky. Many folks have highly reccomended the new Zenith (DT-1080? or something like that), from what I have seen. You might ask again on the STB forum and see if some more knowledgeble folks there could help out.

BTW, I wouldn't let the fact that an STB has satellite capabilities deter you. For the longest time the RCA DTC-100 was VASTLY cheaper then other STBs, yet worked just as well, IMHO. But, even though it can act as a sat receiver it works just as well as an OTA receiver and does not need to be used with a satellite at all. So it was cheaper than other OTA only systems but could be used in that capacity. Saving the $500 difference was a no-brainer 2 years ago. Now, I'd probably just search for anything with a competetive price. The only one I think you have to watch for would be the Echostar 6000 since it does have to have a signal from a Dish Network sat in order to function as an OTA tuner (but it does not require a subscription, at least.)

[dirtysanchez]

if i'm in an apartment does that mean i am shit outta luck at receiving digital signals since i cant put an antenna out on the roof? i am in a 2 story apartment and i'm on the top floor. i went to titan tv and it said i needed a 30" antenna. i am in no luck for an inside antenna?

[zarlor]

Not necessarily. Did it say how far away you were from the transmitting towers?

You can always try the Radio Shack double-bowtie UHF antenna, possibly with a signal booster for an indoor antenna that might get you a signal (just be sure to point the bow-ties as the antenna you want to pick up, not the back grill ;)). If that doesn't work... do you have an outside porch or patio? You can always try mounting a larger antenna in a pole that's been cemented into a flowerpot (which is what I do) if your balcony/porch looks in the right direction.

Otherwise I'd say you probably are SOL. You might want to check FCC regulations about what signal rights you have as an apartment dweller, but I think that as long as the apartments provide you with some way to get you local channels, such as cable, then I don't think you'd be able to get them to put up an antenna on legal grounds. You could always try to persuade them, though. I've known a few people that were allowed to set up antennas and the building roof just because they asked. (I didn't have that luck, though.)

Good luck!

[tgatesp]

zarlor,
sorry this is off topic, but i also live in metairie, and i was wondering if you heard anything about when abc, nbc were going to start broadcasting hd?? i know on titantv it says nov 2002, was just wondering if that is still accurate.

back on topic:
i am using $14 rabbit ears to pick up hd, i live about 15 or so miles from the tower and it comes in great, i was kind of worried because before i got my hd reciever (hughes e86) i was watching my locals and alalog didn't come in very good. but i watched the florida kentucky game on sat, and mi2 last nite and it was great, no dropouts at all.
well hope you guys find something that works because hd is amazing, actually hard to watch the non hd channels now.

[r.jones]

Check with your local station, just because they go digital doesn't mean they will be broadcasting HD. Three of my five OTA stations will be going digital in Nov. 2002 but will not be broadcasting HD until early 2003.

[zarlor]

Originally posted by tgatesp
zarlor,
sorry this is off topic, but i also live in metairie, and i was wondering if you heard anything about when abc, nbc were going to start broadcasting hd?? i know on titantv it says nov 2002, was just wondering if that is still accurate.


Hardly. WUPL looks to be broadcasting low power for November (UPN) and WDSU is also hopeful for November 1 (NBC), but other than WWL (CBS) it looks like everyone else is dragging thier feet like mad and have all applied for extensions until at least May of 2003. It's my feeling that some of those stations will drag it out as absolutely long as possible and I hope the FCC fines the living daylights out of them for it. (Although I don't really expect that to happen.)

One of the best spots for info on local HD is the WWL HDTV Forum (http://www.wwltv.com/cgi-bin/discuss/postlist.pl?Cat=&Board=HDTV). Check it out for more of the concerns for local HD as well as info on who is doing what kinds of HD and when.

[captken]

I have the Proscan version of the RCA DTC100. It has the VGA output on the back. Since my Hitachi 53uwx10ba set has component video inputs, I understand that I need to convert this. Several places recomended the Key Digital VTCA3 to convert the VGA signal to component. Although it does seem to have a signal, it is not widecreen or anything like I expected. I just want a 1080i signal to get to my set. I know that it is broadcast at that level by a couple of stations, but I can't seem to get it to the set. Do I need another STB that already has component out? I assume that the regular video input does not send a HD signal to the set. It looks good, but I don't think it is a 1080i display.

Any info would be appreicated.

Ken

[57U]

Please do not cross-post. The "frequent forum users" view all new posts. I've replied to your other post, but I'm not sure if I've got the answer, but it is one possibility...

[1couchpotato]

Thanks,

Great site!