NTSC & ATSC built in tuners-LCD's

[urbaud]

This is the first time I have used this forum, so bear with me. There is a lot of information out there that one needs in order to make an informed decision on purchasing a LCD TV. We are interested in purchasing a 32” LCD HDTV. I can never seem to get a straight answer from the various salesmen I have talked to. Are there LCD’s that have both a NTSC and ATSC tuner built into them, and if so, would the specs for the TV indicate that it has both, i.e. would it say something like: NTSC and ATSC tuners. I know that all LCD’s have the NTSC analog tuner built in, but none of the specs that I have looked at actually say NTSC or ATSC. Do the companies use some other notation to indicate that the tuners are built in? Would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I believe that you will find that most have built in ATSC and NTSC tuners. NTSC is simply standard. But, ATSC is the new dog on the block. If it says it has a built in 'HDTV' tuner - that's ATSC.

You can read specs on specific models and look up some info at several different sites including www.bestbuyplasma.com

I did a quick look at a Sony:
http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/product.asp_X_Sku_Y_KDL32XBR950_Z_tab_Y_tab2

Right at the bottom - 2 NTSC tuners, 1 ATSC tuner. Guess it can do PIP or something.

~~~~CABLECARD~~~~~~

CableCard is something completely different and is being built into a lot of these displays now as well. Just plug your cable line into the set and receive analog, digital standard, and digital HD channels from your cable company. Cool stuff.

 

[urbaud]

Ntsc & Atsc Tuners

Thanks for the information and the links.

 

[Duffinator]

The US government now requires all sets larger than 37" to include an ATSC tuner. This went into effect on 7/1/05. So you should see an ATSC tuner in all 37" and larger sets manufactured after the above date. There are still a lot of sets smaller than 37" to DO NOT have an ATSC (high definition) tuner built in. So check carefully. This applies to televisions not projectors.