HDTV Converter - A Buying Guide

An HDTV used to be a luxury. However, with networks switching over to digital broadcasting, it is fast becoming a must-have for those who don’t want to miss out on their favorite TV shows. This doesn’t mean you can’t keep your old, analog TV, though. You can still use it as long as you purchase an HDTV converter.

Indeed, an HDTV converter will allow you to keep on watching TV like you used to by receiving the digital broadcast signals and converting them into the simpler analog signals - a language that your TV can understand. Keep in mind, though, that HDTV converters only convert broadcast signals and do NOT convert your analog TV into an HDTV. If you have been led to believe this, you have just fallen prey to a popular scam. In fact, it is NOT possible to convert an analog TV into an HDTV.

You also have to understand that HDTV converters and HDTV tuners are two different devices. HDTV tuners also receive HD signals, but instead of converting them into analog signals, decode them so they can be properly displayed on the HDTV screen. If you have an analog TV, you do not need an HDTV tuner even if you get an HDTV converter, since the HD signals will still appear as regular ones. To get the full High Definition experience, you need to get both an HDTV and an HDTV tuner, as well as a source for an HD content, although Full HDTVs already have a built-in tuner.

Now that you know these, you can proceed in choosing an HD converter for your TV. To narrow down your choices, look for important features such as the Analog (RF) Passthrough. This feature allows you to continue to receive analog signals along with the digital signals you will get. Now, you might wonder why you need this feature when you bought an HD converter to receive digital signals in the first place. The truth is not all networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting and for those who do not, you will no longer be able to watch their shows unless your HD converter has an Analog Passthrough. Of course, you can also unplug your HDTV converter first to pick up the analog signals then plug it back in to get digital signals, but this can be inconvenient.

Another feature you might want to see on your HD converter is S-Video or Super Video Output, which allows you to get sharper images on your screen than you normally would with a standard composite video output. This way, you’ll get better pictures but not nearly as good as those you would see if you had an HDTV.

You can enjoy better audio quality if you choose the right HD converter, too. While your converter will need to convert the digital sounds to analog sounds, these will sound better if the converter has a Stereo Output, which also allows you to connect the converter to a surround sound system. Again, this is nowhere near the amazing audio quality of HDTVs but still better than what you would normally get.

Other important features include Smart Antenna Sport Electronic Program Guide or EPG, especially if you want to be able to see what shows are on without having to flip through all the channels. With an EPG, you can even create your own personalized program list or get more information about your favorite TV shows. You might want to check if the converter comes with a universal remote control, as well.

Apart from the features, consider the brand and the cost, as well, although the cost is not too important if you have a coupon. Keep in mind that high-end HDTV converters are not coupon-eligible, though, and therefore, if you want one, you will have to pay for it yourself. A high-end HDTV converter can cost more than $100 but is worth the price if it can give you the best TV picture and sound quality possible - until you can afford an HDTV, that is.