Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Atsc Tuner shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Atsc Tuner offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Atsc Tuner at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Atsc Tuner? Wrong! If the Atsc Tuner is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Atsc Tuner then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Atsc Tuner? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Atsc Tuner and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Atsc Tuner wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Atsc Tuner then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Atsc Tuner site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Atsc Tuner, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Atsc Tuner, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
programs are combined then sent to a transmitting antenna. In the US broadcast digital TV system, an ATSC tuner then decodes the TS and displays it on your TV.
An
ATSC tuner, often called an
ATSC receiver or
HDTV tuner, allows reception of ATSC Standards
digital television (DTV) signals
Digital broadcasting over-the-air by
Television channel in North America and South Korea. Such tuners may be integrated into the television,
VCR,
digital video recorder, and set-top box which provides audio/video output-connectors of various types.
Technical overview
The terms "tuner" and "receiver" are used loosely, and it is perhaps more appropriately called an ATSC receiver, with the tuner being part of the receiver (see
Metonymy). The receiver generates the audio and video (AV) signals needed for television, and performs the following tasks:
demodulation,
Error detection and correction,
transport stream Multiplexing,
Data compression, Analog-to-digital converter,
Audio video sync, and media reformatting to match what is optimal input for one's TV. Examples of media reformatting include: interlace to
progressive scan or vice versa, picture resolutions, Aspect ratio (image) conversions (16:9 to or from 4:3),
frame rate conversion, even
Image scaling. Zooming is an example of resolution change. It is commonly used to convert a low-resolution picture to a high-resolution display.
How an ATSC Tuner Works
An ATSC tuner works by generating audio and video signals that are picked up from over the air TV broadcasts. ATSC tuners provide the following functions: demodulation, transport stream demultiplexing, decompression, error correction, analog to digital conversion, AV synchronization and media reformatting to fit the specific type of TV screen optimally.
DemodulationDemodulation means that the signal that is pulled off the airways is transformed into a usable signal that your TV set can use to display quality images and quality sound.
Transport Stream DemultiplexingIn the US, multiple digital signals are combined and then transmitted from one antenna source to create over the air broadcasts. An ATSC receiver then is able to decode the transport stream and display it on your TV set.
DecompressionSince digital signal that are broadcasted over the air are compressed (packed smaller), once they are received by the ATSC tuner, these compressed packets of digital data are then unpacked to their original size or using the proper term decompressed.
Error CorrectionError correction is a technology that is used by the ATSC tuner to make sure that any data that is missing can be corrected. For instance, sometimes interference or a poor quality signal will cause the loss of data information that the ATSC tuner receives, with error correction, the tuner has the ability to perform a number of checks and repair data so that a signal can be viewed on a TV set.
Analog to Digital ConversionAnalog to digital conversion, sometimes called ADC or A to D refers to a technology in which an analog signal is converted into a digital signal. In the context of an ATSC tuner, an analog TV broadcast that is broadcasted over the air is received by the ATSC tuner and converted from its original analog signal to a new digital signal that can be viewed on a digital TV set.
AV SynchronizationAV synchronization is the coordination of audio and video signals being displayed on your digital TV in proper time. AV synchronization makes sure that your audio sound doesn't lag behind the video that is being displayed on your TV set or vice versa. This technology makes sure that both your audio and video are in synch.
Media ReformattingMedia reformatting is extremely important because different TV sets format their images significantly different and can use several different technologies. For instance, a standard TV has an interlaced picture; where as a digital TV has a progressive scan picture.
"Interlaced" means that while there are 30 image frames being shown per second on a standard TV, every 1/30th, the TV refreshes only half the images. With progressive scan, the entire image is refreshed 30 times per second. TV's can come in different aspect ratios.
An aspect ratio is the shape of the TV screen. For example, a standard TV is boxy in shape with a 4:3 ratio, while digital TV's come in aspect ratios more in the shape of a 16:9 rectangle.
==U.S Government mandates==The
Federal Communications Commission has issued the following mandates for devices entering the US:
- By July 1, 2005 all televisions with screen sizes over 36" must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner
- By March 1, 2006 all televisions with screen sizes over 25" must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner
- By March 1, 2007 all televisions regardless of screen size, and all interface devices which include a tuner (VCR, DVD player/recorder, DVR) must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner.
It should be noted that devices manufactured before these dates can still be sold without a built-in ATSC DTV tuner.
The current regulations are specified in the U.S.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Analog TV broadcast switch-off
In early
2006 the
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005Pub. L. No. 109-171, 120 Stat. 4 (Feb. 8, 2006). became law, which calls for
terrestrial television television stations to cease their analog broadcasts by February 17,
2009 Section 3002 of the Act amends 47 U.S.C. section 309(j)(14) to provide for the February 17, 2009 deadline. (this cut-off date had been moved several times previously). Following that date, TVs and other equipment with legacy
NTSC tuners would be unable to receive over-the-air broadcasts. This switch-off would cause tens of thousands of TVs to go dark and would cut off many lower-income viewers from their only source of television. A Congressional bill has authorized subsidizing set-top box that would allow people to receive the new digital broadcasts on their old TVs.The final plan is to make two $40 coupons available from January 1,
2008 through
March 31, 2009 for all households with the initial $990 million allocated, after which an additional $510 million in coupons will be available for each household that relies exclusively on over-the-air television reception. In
Canada, the
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), has set August 31, 2011 as the date that over-the-air analog TV transmission service will cease in most parts of the country except in parts of the far North.{{cite press release | title = The Commission establishes a new approach for Canadian conventional television
| publisher = [Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
| date =[2007-05-17
| url = http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2007/r070517.htm
| accessdate = 2007-05-17-->
{{cite web | last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2007-53
| work = Sections 50 to 80
| publisher = [Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
| date = [2007-05-17
| url = http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2007/pb2007-53.htm
| format =HTML
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-05-17--> But unlike the United States, there is currently no plan to provide ATSC receivers at a discount to low-income households.
References
See also
External links
- Patent and royalty info 2006-12-27
programs are combined then sent to a transmitting antenna. In the US broadcast digital TV system, an ATSC tuner then decodes the TS and displays it on your TV.
An
ATSC tuner, often called an
ATSC receiver or
HDTV tuner, allows reception of
ATSC Standards digital television (DTV) signals Digital broadcasting over-the-air by Television channel in North America and South Korea. Such tuners may be integrated into the television,
VCR,
digital video recorder, and set-top box which provides audio/video output-connectors of various types.
Technical overview
The terms "tuner" and "receiver" are used loosely, and it is perhaps more appropriately called an ATSC receiver, with the tuner being part of the receiver (see
Metonymy). The receiver generates the audio and video (AV) signals needed for television, and performs the following tasks:
demodulation,
Error detection and correction, transport stream Multiplexing,
Data compression, Analog-to-digital converter,
Audio video sync, and media reformatting to match what is optimal input for one's TV. Examples of media reformatting include: interlace to progressive scan or vice versa, picture resolutions, Aspect ratio (image) conversions (16:9 to or from 4:3), frame rate conversion, even
Image scaling. Zooming is an example of resolution change. It is commonly used to convert a low-resolution picture to a high-resolution display.
How an ATSC Tuner Works
An ATSC tuner works by generating audio and video signals that are picked up from over the air TV broadcasts. ATSC tuners provide the following functions: demodulation, transport stream demultiplexing, decompression, error correction, analog to digital conversion, AV synchronization and media reformatting to fit the specific type of TV screen optimally.
DemodulationDemodulation means that the signal that is pulled off the airways is transformed into a usable signal that your TV set can use to display quality images and quality sound.
Transport Stream DemultiplexingIn the US, multiple digital signals are combined and then transmitted from one antenna source to create over the air broadcasts. An ATSC receiver then is able to decode the transport stream and display it on your TV set.
DecompressionSince digital signal that are broadcasted over the air are compressed (packed smaller), once they are received by the ATSC tuner, these compressed packets of digital data are then unpacked to their original size or using the proper term decompressed.
Error CorrectionError correction is a technology that is used by the ATSC tuner to make sure that any data that is missing can be corrected. For instance, sometimes interference or a poor quality signal will cause the loss of data information that the ATSC tuner receives, with error correction, the tuner has the ability to perform a number of checks and repair data so that a signal can be viewed on a TV set.
Analog to Digital ConversionAnalog to digital conversion, sometimes called ADC or A to D refers to a technology in which an analog signal is converted into a digital signal. In the context of an ATSC tuner, an analog TV broadcast that is broadcasted over the air is received by the ATSC tuner and converted from its original analog signal to a new digital signal that can be viewed on a digital TV set.
AV SynchronizationAV synchronization is the coordination of audio and video signals being displayed on your digital TV in proper time. AV synchronization makes sure that your audio sound doesn't lag behind the video that is being displayed on your TV set or vice versa. This technology makes sure that both your audio and video are in synch.
Media ReformattingMedia reformatting is extremely important because different TV sets format their images significantly different and can use several different technologies. For instance, a standard TV has an interlaced picture; where as a digital TV has a progressive scan picture.
"Interlaced" means that while there are 30 image frames being shown per second on a standard TV, every 1/30th, the TV refreshes only half the images. With progressive scan, the entire image is refreshed 30 times per second. TV's can come in different aspect ratios.
An aspect ratio is the shape of the TV screen. For example, a standard TV is boxy in shape with a 4:3 ratio, while digital TV's come in aspect ratios more in the shape of a 16:9 rectangle.
==U.S Government mandates==The
Federal Communications Commission has issued the following mandates for devices entering the US:
- By July 1, 2005 all televisions with screen sizes over 36" must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner
- By March 1, 2006 all televisions with screen sizes over 25" must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner
- By March 1, 2007 all televisions regardless of screen size, and all interface devices which include a tuner (VCR, DVD player/recorder, DVR) must include a built-in ATSC DTV tuner.
It should be noted that devices manufactured before these dates can still be sold without a built-in ATSC DTV tuner.
The current regulations are specified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Analog TV broadcast switch-off
In early
2006 the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005Pub. L. No. 109-171, 120 Stat. 4 (Feb. 8, 2006). became law, which calls for
terrestrial television television stations to cease their analog broadcasts by
February 17,
2009 Section 3002 of the Act amends 47 U.S.C. section 309(j)(14) to provide for the February 17, 2009 deadline. (this cut-off date had been moved several times previously). Following that date, TVs and other equipment with legacy
NTSC tuners would be unable to receive over-the-air broadcasts. This switch-off would cause tens of thousands of TVs to go dark and would cut off many lower-income viewers from their only source of television. A Congressional bill has authorized subsidizing set-top box that would allow people to receive the new digital broadcasts on their old TVs.The final plan is to make two $40 coupons available from
January 1, 2008 through March 31,
2009 for all households with the initial $990 million allocated, after which an additional $510 million in coupons will be available for each household that relies exclusively on over-the-air television reception. In Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), has set
August 31,
2011 as the date that over-the-air analog TV transmission service will cease in most parts of the country except in parts of the far North.{{cite press release | title = The Commission establishes a new approach for Canadian conventional television
| publisher = [Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
| date =[2007-05-17
| url = http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2007/r070517.htm
| accessdate = 2007-05-17-->
{{cite web | last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2007-53
| work = Sections 50 to 80
| publisher = [Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
| date = [2007-05-17
| url = http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2007/pb2007-53.htm
| format =HTML
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-05-17--> But unlike the United States, there is currently no plan to provide ATSC receivers at a discount to low-income households.
References
See also
External links
- Patent and royalty info 2006-12-27
