Digital Set Top Box F.A.Q.'s:-
taken from www.digitalready.gov.au
Contents:-
1. Introduction
2. What is a set top box?
3. Is there a difference between set top boxes?
4. I have more than one TV, so how many set top boxes will I need?
5. Which option is better, a set top box or built in tuner?
6. How much will a set top box cost?
7. Will my VCR still work?
8. Will my DVD recorder still work?
Introduction:
The Digital Television
What is a set top box?:
A set top box enables you to watch digital TV broadcasts on an analog TV. If you want to keep your existing analog TV, you'll need a set top box to be able to see digital free-to-air TV after the switchover. Set top boxes range from basic Standard Definition (SD) models to High Definition (HD) models and may include electronic program guides and interactive features such as pausing and replaying live TV. Its best to shop around before you decide which set top box suits your needs.
Is there a difference between set top boxes?:
The main difference between set top boxes is in their ability to display either standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) digital television. More sophisticated models have features such as an electronic program guide and let you record programs to an internal hard disk drive or DVD. Whether you choose to have an SD or HD set top box depends on your television. An SD set top box will let you see all the standard definition free-to-air digital channels, while an HD box will also let you see the HD channels provided by the free-to-air networks. If you connect an HD set top box to a TV that is not capable of showing programs in high definition, you'll still get the additional channels but without the high definition quality.
I have more than one TV, so how many set top boxes will I need?:
You will need to convert every television if you want to continue to watch free-to-air television broadcasts. So a set top box will be needed for every television you want to convert unless it already has a digital TV tuner built-in.
Which option is better,a set top box or built in tuner?:
This depends on your circumstances. A set top-box is usually the cheapest option to convert an existing television. Many new television sets contain a built-in digital tuner and dont need anything other than an antenna. If you are already subscribing or planning to subscribe to a subscription TV service, you may wish to check with your provider and enquire about their options.
How much will a set top box cost?:
There are many different types of set top boxes. Basic standard definition models can be purchased from around $40, while high definition models range from $100 up. Very sophisticated models (which may include recording capability) can cost up to $800. The type of set top box you purchase will depend on your individual needs. If you decide to watch free-to-air channels through a subscription television digital box, check with the provider in your area about monthly subscription costs.
Will my VCR still work?:
You can still use your VCR to play videos or recordings you've already made. If you want to use the VCR to continue recording television, you will need to buy a set top box to attach to the VCR as well as one for your television.
Will my DVD recorder still work?:
You can still use your DVD recorder to play discs or recordings you've already made. If your DVD recorder has an integrated digital tuner you will still be able to record digital television. If not, you'll need to connect a set top box to the DVD recorder. If you're not sure what type of tuner you have in your DVD recorder you should check the manual.
Reference:
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). FAQs. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/faqs.aspx |
