Does a digital TV need a separate set-top box to display images?
Some manufacturers, such as Sony, have built tuner/decoders into the TVs. Others sell the monitors and set-tops separately. There are good reasons for that. The technology is still evolving, and the ”interfaces”–meaning jacks and sockets for connecting different components–are not yet standardized. Compatibility with cable is also up in the air. That means changes might be needed in the set-top box’s electronics. Do you mean the new sets can’t connect to cable? It depends on what you mean by ”connect.” You can plug them in and watch ordinary cable programs. But your cable box, right now, can’t decode the new digital broadcast signals. To watch the broadcasts in digital form, you’ll probably have to put an antenna on the roof, and maybe use a separate converter box. Then what’s the big advantage of digital television? There are many. First, the digital broadcasts will look great–if you can receive them. In addition, most of the digital sets will clean up analog signals, using tri
Related Questions
- I notice that the front panel LED display will be dimmed when the HD Interactive Set-top box is being put standby mode. Why is this different from the HubStation or HubStation HD?
- The front panel of my set-top box used to display the time but now its showing the channel number. How can I change it back to display the time?
- To receive a separate digital TV signal, does every TV have to have a set-top box?
