"HDTV-compliant/ready REALLY?"

[General Schvantzkoph]

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 17:39:04 -0500, John Burton wrote:

> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?
>
> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!

If you have cable then all you need to do is get an HD cable box from your
cable company.

[Chris Thomas]

In article <8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com>,
John.Burton@JohnBurton.org says...
> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?

You will need an ATSC tuner. (ATSC is the format in which digital TV
incluing HDTV is transmitted.) "HDTV ready" is an incredibly
misleading phrase used to market sets without an ATSC tuner, which
yours is.

You will also need an antenna. Many but not all digital stations are
transmitting on UHF, but it depends on what channels were in use in
your area when the FCC handed out new allocations some years back.
You should check your area to determine if you need a UHF or UHF/VHF
antenna.

/Chris, AA6SQ

> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
>

[John Burton]

I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.

Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.

The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.

Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?

Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".

When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
channel "11.1" and "53.1"...

Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find a
straight answer.

Thanks so much!

--
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

john burton
Bach 50B3
Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
South Charleston, West Virginia

[Lucas Tam]

"John Burton" <John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote in
news:8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com:

> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High
> Definition capable".

HD-Compatible means that the TV can accept a HDTV signal but has no HDTV
tuner. You'll need to either purchase a Over-The-Air HDTV tuner or
subscribe to the HDTV feed + receiver from your local cable/satellite
company.

--
Lucas Tam (REMOVEnntp@rogers.com)
Please delete "REMOVE" from the e-mail address when replying.
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/coolspot18/

[Bob]

"John Burton" <John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote in message
news:8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com...
> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?
>
> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find
a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> --
> ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
>
> john burton
> Bach 50B3
> Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
> South Charleston, West Virginia
>
>

If your TV remote doesn't have a "." button, or any other way to enter a
".", then it (most likely) doesn't have an ATSC (DTV) tuner integrated into
it.

I have a Sony 34XBR960. Its remote has the ".". It has a cable input and an
antenna input.

I get several DTV channels via the cable input. Adelphia is doing testing so
these tend to move around, and they're undocumented (thanks Adelphia!).

The antenna input is connected to a UHF antenna. I get numerous DTV
channels. Several of them are HDTV. Very cool, indeed.

Now if CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX would stop broadcasting such CRAP, I would be
extremely happy. I guess, however, that you get what you pay for.

Bob

[jeremy@pdq.net]

See below:

John Burton wrote:
> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to
receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard"
TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the
appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV
tuner?
>
> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High
Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and
baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't
find a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> --
> ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
>
> john burton
> Bach 50B3
> Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
> South Charleston, West Virginia


Just to add to what others have said. Don't bother looking for a DTV
antenna input, your set (the 36HFX71) is HD Ready and does not have a
digital tuner built in. I don't know why people can't bother to look up
a model number before suggesting to someone to look for a DTV antenna
input on their set.

So your options for recieving High Definition are either OTA (Over the
air) via an external ATSC (also known an 8VSB) digital tuner (an 8VSB
tuner will set you back about $200, visit your local Walmart or Circuit
City). Before buying an 8VSB tuner, make sure you're within tower
range, you can look up your address on
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx to see what channels are
available and what type of antenna you'll need for the 8VSB tuner.

The other option is satellite or cable. Check with you local providers
and see what kind of deals they are offering for High Definition boxes.
Most people are going with cable/sat since HD-DVR is becoming popular.
HD-DVR equipment still cost quite a bit, so it makes more sense to
lease it at this point (espeically since the compression formats are
still changing).

-Jeremy

[Otto Pylot]

In article <8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com>, John Burton
<John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote:

> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?
>
> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!

HDTV-ready means that your tv is either a 16:9 or a 4:3 aspect ratio
and that it can display HD signals at 720p/1080i resolutions. I'm not
familiar with your brand of Toshiba but your owner's manual should give
that info (at least the resolutions). HDTV requires an ATSC tuner which
means that HDTV-ready sets do not have the integrated ATSC tuner, only
the standard NTSC one so yes, you will need to buy an external ATSC
tuner. If you don't have cable or satellite, then you have to use an
antenna preferably installed outside and as high as possible. Some
folks have luck with indoor antennas but you'll have to experiment
because there are a lot of factors involved in receiving goog OTA HD
signals. I would suggest getting an antenna that covers both spectrums,
UHF and VHF so that you can pick up the maximim number stations that
are broadcasting. There are a few external ATSC tuners available (STB's
or Set Top Boxes) that offer different features so it depends on what
you want to do (DVR, QAM cable connections, satellite, etc). Currently,
the best, simple STB is the LG LST-4200A for use with an antenna or
cable connection only.

--
Deja Moo: I've seen this bullshit before.

My address has been anti-spammed.
Please reply to: scasse@invalid.net replacing invalid with sonic.

[John Burton]

Well.

You's guys have certainly proved the usefulness of newsgroups! Thank you!

I've e-mailed my cable company (Charter) to see if they'll offer HDTV in the
Charleston, WVa area. They *do* offer digital, but as we all know, digital
ain't HD! <gryn>

Since I live in a valley of sorts, with limited southern view I believe
cable will be my best answer if/when Charter offers it. I can see AMC4, but
not sure I want to get in to the satelite quagmire.

Thanks to all who offered opinions. They all made sense, and answered my
question.

--==jb==--

--
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

john burton
Bach 50B3
Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
South Charleston, West Virginia

"John Burton" <John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote in message
news:8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com...
> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?
>
> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find
a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> --
> ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
>
> john burton
> Bach 50B3
> Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
> South Charleston, West Virginia
>
>

[Phil Ross]

I don't know anything about network affiliation, HDTV programming, etc., but
it looks like there are 3 digital stations in Charleston, at least that is
what showed up on an FCC TV query (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html)

WVAH-TV 19
WLPX-TV 39
WCHS-TV 41


"John Burton" <John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote in message
news:5k9htc.30f.ln@sandbox.dynip.com...
> Well.
>
> You's guys have certainly proved the usefulness of newsgroups! Thank you!
>
> I've e-mailed my cable company (Charter) to see if they'll offer HDTV in
> the
> Charleston, WVa area. They *do* offer digital, but as we all know,
> digital
> ain't HD! <gryn>
>
> Since I live in a valley of sorts, with limited southern view I believe
> cable will be my best answer if/when Charter offers it. I can see AMC4,
> but
> not sure I want to get in to the satelite quagmire.
>
> Thanks to all who offered opinions. They all made sense, and answered my
> question.
>
> --==jb==--
>
> --
> ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
>
> john burton
> Bach 50B3
> Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
> South Charleston, West Virginia
>
> "John Burton" <John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote in message
> news:8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com...
>> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>>
>> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to
>> receive
>> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>>
>> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>>
>> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
>> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?
>>
>> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High
>> Definition
>> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and
>> baseband")
>> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>>
>> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
>> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>>
>> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't
>> find
> a
>> straight answer.
>>
>> Thanks so much!
>>
>> --
>> ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
>>
>> john burton
>> Bach 50B3
>> Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
>> South Charleston, West Virginia
>>
>>
>
>

You need a tuner, you can get one at wall mart for a few hundred bucks. A
UHF antenna from radio shack is twenty bucks and works fine, but the farther
out from town the longer a mast you'll need. Plug the tuner into the
componet and the digital out into your dolby dig rig (if you have one) and
enjoy. Birmingham is fifty miles from me and I get anywhere from 3 to 5
stations, but before I moved I could get about seven or so
"John Burton" <John.Burton@JohnBurton.org> wrote in message
news:8ueetc.nta.ln@sandbox.dynip.com...
> I have a Toshiba 36HFX71 -- quite happy with it.
>
> Except now HDTV is coming to Charleston and I'd like to be able to receive
> and view NBC/Fox/ABC/CBS whatever in HD rather than simple "standard" TV.
>
> The question I can't seem to find a definitive answer to is this.
>
> Do I simply need to rig up a UHF antenna and point it to the appropriate
> station to view HDTV signals, or will I need to purchase an HDTV tuner?
>
> Owners manual doesn't say any more about HDTV than simply "High Definition
> capable". I have component video connections (not just "S" and baseband")
> that Toshiba calls "ColorStream".
>
> When tuning in "TV" mode (vice "cable" mode) I don't have options for
> channel "11.1" and "53.1"...
>
> Sorry if this is a bit of a stoopid question, but frankly, I couldn't find
a
> straight answer.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> --
> ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
>
> john burton
> Bach 50B3
> Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
> South Charleston, West Virginia
>
>