What is an ATSC tuner? (digital off-air tuner)?
This feature means it can tune to digital TV broadcasts that are sent over-ther-air (terrestrially). It is typically noted in ads as “ATSC tuner”. Some experts also call it a “digital terrestrial television tuner” (DTT tuner). It can be a stand-alone device, or be built into some TVs (called “integrated HDTVs”) and some satellite receivers. The external boxes currently sell for a few hundred dollars, but are expected to drop to $50 by 2009. Also, an antenna is needed to pick up the off-air signal – this can be either the roof-top yagi type or indoor rabbit-ears-and-loop if the signal is strong enough. Besides being able to receive conventional analog broadcasts, it can also receive the digital TV signals described in FAQ A-3. According to recent federal laws, TVs sold after March 1, 2006 will have to include a built-in ATSC tuner, and over-the-air analog broadcasts must cease after February 18, 2009. Note: ATSC is an acronym for Advanced Television Systems Committee. The ATSC is a grou
