Adding HDTV receiver needn’t be expensive
Q: Many agree that HDTV shows up best using an antenna. However, many people do not have a TV with a built-in HD tuner, so they cannot enjoy the antenna broadcast and must pay for some set-top box that deteriorates the picture. Also, I’ve found that with antenna digital tuning the picture is either great or not good at all — unlike antenna analog tuning, which varies all over the place.
A: It’s easy to add an HDTV receiver to a set that doesn’t have one. And it’s not expensive. RadioShack, for instance, sells an HDTV receiver for $69.97. Just ask for the RadioShack HDTV Receiver with HDMI Output Jack, Model: HTS 6000, catalog number 16-3499. I’m not recommending for or against that receiver, just using it as an example of a serviceable receiver for a low cost.
A Web search for HDTV receivers will turn up dozens of models. And some experts believe it’s smart to buy a set with a separate receiver. That way, as advances in the technology are made, you can simply replace the receiver without the need to buy a new set. I’m neutral on that issue — my HDTV does have a built-in tuner — but the argument is a good one.
I’ve found that even inexpensive digital receivers, just because of the nature of digital transmissions, do a fine job.
Source: AJC.Com Business
