roger1818:

Thanks for your explanations...

5. antenna ---> splitter
---> ATSC tuner (w/ APT) ---> recorder (VCR or DVD recorder)
---> ATSC tuner (w/ APT) ---> analog TV
(this will let you watch any channel while recording any channel).

So, basically this is the simplest, most versatile set-up, given the analog TV.

(BTW, what's w/ APT ? I assume it's with analog pass thru!)

roger1818:

What is the simplest, most flexible set-up if the analog TV is replaced with an HDTV (with ATSC/NTSC tuner built-in)

So, basically this is the simplest, most versatile set-up, given the analog TV.

Yes, though to be clear, it requires 2 DTV boxes.

(BTW, what's w/ APT ? I assume it's with analog pass thru!)

Yes.

What is the simplest, most flexible set-up if the analog TV is replaced with an HDTV (with ATSC/NTSC tuner built-in)

Option 5, except replace the 2nd ATSC tuner and the analog TV with an HDTV.

Roger1818:

Option 5, except replace the 2nd ATSC tuner and the analog TV with an HDTV.


And what about also replacing the 1st ATSC tuner (and recorder) with a recorder that has a built it ATSC tuner.

And what about also replacing the 1st ATSC tuner (and recorder) with a recorder that has a built it ATSC tuner.

If both your TV and recorder have ATSC tuners, the easiest way to connect it up would be similar to option 3:

antenna ---> digital recorder ---> TV

If your recorder has a built in RF modulator that turns on by default, an alternate connection would be:

antenna ---> splitter
---> digital recorder
---> digital TV

This might make operation a bit less confusing, but will have the disadvantage of reducing signal strength at the recorder by about 3.5 dB.

Either way you would also want to connect the recorder to the TV via HDMI, Component, S-VIDEO or Composite cable in addition to the RF cable for a better picture when watching recorded programs.

Roger1818:

Thanks. Just so I'm clear on this, in summary;

what is the simplest, optimal set-up, for playing DVD's, recording TV broadcasts (digital or analog), and while /or not watching Tv broadcasts (digital or analog), anytime...assuming price is not a factor.

If price is not a factor, the best option is to buy both a TV and a recorder with built-in ATSC tuners.

As for how to set it up, can you define simple for me (i.e. simplest to setup or simplest to operate)? It also depends on the make/model of recorder you buy.

As for how to set it up, can you define simple for me (i.e. simplest to setup or simplest to operate)? It also depends on the make/model of recorder you buy.

...simplest to set-up...

for make and model, as you can tell I'm still new too all this...but I would assume the most reasonable basic model!

Roger1818:

I just had a quick look over at the DVR thread to understand more...I have a feeling we are starting to go off-topic on this thread...I guess Stampeder shall decide!

I think the best solution (for my BIL's situation) is to keep it simple (DVR not a real requirement for him), go the cheapest route for now with an ATSC tuner box only...I tried to explain to him though that after he sees OTA HD he's going to want an HDTV!

Is there any recent news on whether Canada will implement a digital tuner box coupon program...

Roger1818:

Still not decided...

Option 3 allows you to watch and record analog and digital channels, but...

How does the DVR allow the recording of the analog channels in this set-up...what/how internal components are used for this... thanks

You can always buy a used Samsung 260F for a reasonable price. That's what I did for less than $150.

How does the DVR allow the recording of the analog channels in this set-up...what/how internal components are used for this... thanks

Option 3 assumes the recorder has both an analog and digital tuner built-in. How you record analog channels depends on the make/model of the recorder, but with most you would tell it to record the *.0 channel for analog and *.1, *.2, etc. for digital.

roger1818:

Yes, thank you.

But I was curious how the NTSC tuner, while recording (analog channel), also allows an analog channel to be viewed on the TV...is this a pass through from the recorder's tuner to the TV...

I don't know if you know what I mean, sorry about that!

Roger1818:

5. antenna ---> splitter
---> ATSC tuner (w/ APT) ---> recorder (VCR or DVD recorder)
---> ATSC tuner (w/ APT) ---> analog TV
(this will let you watch any channel while recording any channel).

I assume we need to also connect the recorder to the TV with A/V cables for all to work in this senerio?

thanks

But I was curious how the NTSC tuner, while recording (analog channel), also allows an analog channel to be viewed on the TV...is this a pass through from the recorder's tuner to the TV...

Most DVD recorders have a splitter built into them so that all the signals on the input get passed through to the output regardless of whether you are recording or not. The only complication is some DVD recorders have an RF modulator (to output the recorded programs on channels 3 or 4). When this is turned on, it will block all the other channels from getting to the TV. That is why it is sometimes better to use an external splitter.

I assume we need to also connect the recorder to the TV with A/V cables for all to work in this senerio?

Definitely yes. You should also use A/V cables to connect the ATSC tuners to the TV or recorder (as appropriate) if possible.

Hi everybody!

Right now I've been using the built-in ATSC tuner on a Panasonic TH-50PZ77U TV for my OTA experiments. I find that it seems to be a very good tuner, and it's able to lock onto stations with only a 20%-ish signal strength (usually gives a solid picture on stations when the signal is in the mid 30s.) What I'm not sure about is whether I can get this same performance in a digital converter box. I was wondering if there's a box that is at least as good, or maybe even better than the Panasonic tuner. Any advice greatly appreciated!

I was wondering what the least expensive ATSC tuner device, or set-up, my B.I.L. can use to test OTA digital channel reception in his area with his DYI antenna and analog TV....

I read up all the threads re. tuners, and it seems basically nothing is under $80...for me it's not an issue, but for him...! When we add the cost of all the gear (DYI materials, cabling, masting, even just to test, it passes his budget!

I even looked around for all the devices we own, none with an ATSC tuner...I could get used, but that is very risky for electronics!

Roger1818:

we're looking into option 3, and option 4c, since the splitter reduces the signal, are there good options with using an A/B switch instead...