Whats the difference between an HDTV and an HD-Ready TV or HD Monitor?
Currently, not all new sets — and not even all HD-capable TVs — include digital reception capabilities. Many sets currently on the market are what’s known as “HD-Ready TVs” or “HDTV Monitors.” These terms are interchangeable; a TV by either label is capable of high-definition display, but requires an HDTV source (an ATSC set-top receiver, or a cable or satellite box that is capable of high-definition output) to achieve true HDTV performance. Such HD-Ready TVs typically include a traditional analog (NTSC) tuner for the reception of standard analog broadcasts. By law, as the cutoff date for analog programming nears, more and more new TVs will incorporate digital over-the-air (also known as ATSC) tuners. Eventually, all new sets sold in the U.S. will incorporate built-in ATSC reception capability, and manufacturers will stop producing TVs with analog tuners altogether. Back to top Q: When will the DTV transition be complete? A: Television stations serving most markets in the U.S. are alre
