Okay if you have read my previous articles you are now aware that the digital TV revolution has been with us for a while. If you still haven't jumped to the Digital TV have now fear.. I shall try to give you all the knowledge you need when you buy your digital set top box from your major retailer and make sure you an informed decision.
Lets begin by distinguishing between the different ways you can get digital TV. Most newer LCD TV now have built in digital tuners, make you ask the salesman for this feature before you buy. Another way to get digital TV is by buying a Digital Set Top Box. (STB), which you can attach to your normal TV. Then theirs the third option which is a Personal Video Recorder (PVR), which is a Set Top Box with recording capabilities to either an internal hard disk, external hard disk or DVD.
But the fun does not stop their, you then have to look at things like how many channels you can watch at any one time. A STB or PVR with only a SINGLE TUNER means that you can only record one show at any one time. If the unit has a TWIN TUNER, then you can start to appreciate digital TV a bit more, you have the ability to record two shows at the same time, and watch a third pre-recorded show.
Just recently their has been a range of STB and PVRs that have got a FREEVIEW logo on them. What does that logo really mean ?
Freeview as you have probably seen in the ads on TV, is the product of the Major Network in Australia joining forces to provide more channels to the Australian audience. The only new thing you will get from a freeview logo based device is a new Electronic Program Guide Interface. Great more channels is always welcomed I hear you say, but do these freeview range of devices limit your viewing experience ?
YES they do . Here is what freeview devices limit you to do
1. No ad skipping
2. No way of copying your recording from the internal hard disk
Non-freeview branded PVRs will allow you to do both of these giving more power to the consumer.
Also read my previous article about difference between Standard Definition and High Definition Set Top Boxes.
Well I hope I have given you some more ammunition when you buy your first or next set top box.
Futher reading about freeview
Freeview - the 'new' digital TV
Freeview - the great Aussie TV swindle?
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