prima

I'm conteplating purchasing an HDTV and I can't seem to get a straight answer from the sales rep at a local electronics store. My question is "whats the difference between an HDTV-ready or HDTV-compatible TV and a TRUE HDTV system? Or is there a difference? Any assistance will be appreciated.
-cheers

__________________
Prima

57U

HDTV Ready sets don't have internal tuners.
HDTVs do.

No need to get one with a tuner, since you can buy an external tuner or set-top device for less and many people need satellite or cable to get HDTV, so the internal tuner is wasted.

Unless the set is widescreen (16:9) it's also not really an HDTV. Although 4:3 sets have good resolution and can display HDTV material, all true HDTV material is 16:9 and since a 4:3 set doesn't have the right aspect ratio, a 16:9 image is typically displayed in a "window" on 4:3 sets. There's a post comparing 4:3 and widescreen sets. Search for widescreen and my username and you'll find it.

Good luck

__________________
57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.

Ratman

If you purchase an HDTV with a built-in tuner, it is not necessarily a waste. Having it built in provides:
a) No additional external boxes.
b) Capability to recieve digital broadcasts off the air immediately.
c) Some HDTV's tuner are already DirecTv or Dish ready.
d) an external receiver will cost approx. $400+ more.
e) frees up a component input on the set.
f) TV's warranty covers the tuner.

Don't get hung up on the 4:3 / 16:9 issue that a 4:3 set is not true HDTV. It's a matter of semantics. True, there are all kinds of FCC documents and other 'official' statements that describe what the standards are for HDTV. But I feel that it can be interpreted different ways.

Bottom line, if you want HDTV, whether you watch it on a 4:3 set or a 16:9 set, the picture quality will be 1080I and look fantastic.

My personal opinion is that 16:9 is the way to go. It is a lot better for viewing DVD's and all HD broadcasts are 16:9.

(My set is 16:9 with a built-in tuner and there's no looking back!)

jamesp

if you purchase a set with a built in tuner, you wouldn't have to purchase a seperate DTV HD receiver? i also have cable (Comcast) which i receive my local channels through, will i still need a seperate antenna for HDTV OTA locals as well?

Ratman

HD ready sets have an NTSC (analog) tuner, no ATSC tuner (digital).

HDTV's have both and NTSC and ATSC tuner and some may have HD satellite tuners as well.

So.... cable will work with either type of set. Depending on your area, you should be able to receive digital broadcasts OTA by using an antenna. Or... if your cable company provides HD for your locals, you wouldn't need an antenna.

Now... if you cable can provide EVERYTHING you want in HD, you do not have to have an HD set that has in internal tuner since the cable company provides the decoder.

Confused?