Why so hard to find ATSC set top boxes in Canada?

[blakew]

With the US going digital, they'll begin to see DVD recorders with built-in ATSC tuners. I would presume those same models would make it north of the border. Should make finding a ATSC set-top box in Canada a lot easier.

[ASA]

they'll begin to see DVD recorders with built-in ATSC tuners. I would presume those same models would make it north of the border.

You would think that to be true, but someone has already posted some info that says this is not happening with certain models for the Canadian market.

Why would you want an external tuner when you can have one built in?

Well, if you already have a big screen tv (that is 1-2 years or older), chances are it won't have a built in ATSC tuner. In that case a STB is needed. Example. When I bought my screen around 2 years ago, it didn't come with one, but the following year it did. Am I about to go out and buy a new tv just so I can have one built in? The better question would be, would I be willing to shell out $1500 for a new screen just to have that option when the TV I have right now is perfectly fine? No.

So for those of you out there looking for good deals on HDTV's, and are considering buying last year's models on clearance, chances are pretty good that those screens won't have a built in ATCS tuner, and those TV's would have to get a STB to see HD stuff.... or, be conned into getting Rogers or BEV (because they are supposedly the "only way" to get HD content)

[StoneyCreekOTA]

Knowing what I know now, if I were to be in the market for a new TV it would have a built in ATSC tuner - it would be a requirement for me. At the time that I bought it though, I did not know that I could get HD over the air, and listened to the sales people. So the Panasonic 50" set I have at home is clearly labelled "HD Ready". So as ASA says, am I going to replace it at this point - no way. But I might well spend a couple of hundred bucks to buy a tuner.

In fact, if I could buy one locally from someplace where I could return it easily if I was unable to get the reception I wanted, then I would spend that much without question. But the only unit I have been able to source locally so far has been a Digital Stream 1150, and the price was very high for an outdated unit. When I contacted Digital Stream by email, the said that the 3150 was also outdated, in favour of the 5150.

[99gecko]

lack of a built in ATSC tuner would be a deal-breaker for me now. My next tv will of course have one.
A major consideration not contemplated until after the fact:
My Hitachi 46F500 has only 2 component inputs, one of which switches over to a DVI input when connected.
Lack of a built in ATSC tuner means one of my component/digital inputs is "consumed" by the STB. To me, that means I need either a switching AVR or a stand-alone switch to connect more than 2 HD sources. Both of those options have proven to be problematic for DHC'ers.
An integrated ATSC tuner eliminates this prob as it connected directly via f-connector, and there is one less peice of equipment to integrate into the home theatre system.

[jbracing24]

either a switching AVR

Therein lies the proper solution. If you use an external STB, then routing audio/video through an AVR will allow whole room audio. If you are using a built in ATSC tuner, then you will have either to use the existing TV audio or somehow route the audio back to an AVR to maximize the soundfield. I guess it all depends on the TV hardware and connections but I would much prefer the STB approach.

[99gecko]

My AVR switches over S-video only.
With young kids in the house, I'm not certain that I want my 2 1/2 yr-old operating the AVR even if it could switch HD inputs.... and he hasn't mastered the universal remote
One other benefit of the STB option is the portablility of it. I have taken my STB to friends' house to determine if OTA might be an option for HD. Or if your ATSC tuner, is on the blink you don't loose your entire set during repairs

[ASA]

I have taken my STB to friends' house to determine if OTA might be an option for HD.

I have done that a couple of times now. My friends couldn't believe that they could get FREE hdtv over the air. : )

[jbracing24]

My AVR switches over S-video only.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing. I have a Samsung T451 cabled so that I can watch OTA HD through an AVR or simply the TV. My Harmony 880 is programmed with both options.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by jbracing24

If you are using a built in ATSC tuner, then you will have either to use the existing TV audio or somehow route the audio back to an AVR to maximize the soundfield.

Most TVs with a built in ATSC tuner have a digital audio output for exactly this purpose. It will also pass through the digital audio from HDMI connections.