2009 marks a big year for television, particularly since many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to buy one of two things to keep on watching your favorite shows – an HD television or 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.

HDTV converters are not the same as HDTV tuners, although some high-end HDTV tuners also have converter capabilities. HDTV tuners receive HD signals in MPEG-2 encoded packets and decode them so that they can be displayed properly, in their optimal video quality, on the HDTV screen. They are used with HDTVs, although some already have their own built-in tuners, while HDTV converters are used with analog TVs.

Now that you know what HDTV converters do, you can go ahead and start looking for one to buy. You will be faced with several choices, and to find the best one, the most important factor to consider are the features. One such feature is the Analog (RF) Passthrough. This way, you can receive digital signals and still get analog signals from the networks that continue to use them. After all, while many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting, some will not, and unless you want to keep on plugging and unplugging your HD converter, getting one with an Analog Passthrough feature is recommended to get both types of broadcast signals.

Another important feature is the S-Video or Super Video Output, which is better than the standard composite video output. This allows you to have sharper and better images on your screen, although keep in mind that these are still nowhere near the excellent pictures displayed on 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.

It is also a good idea to get an HDTV converter with a Smart Antenna interface and an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) which allows you to easily flip through your programming options without paying a monthly fee or consulting a TV guide on paper. Different HDTV converters have different EPGs so you have to decide which type you want. Some allow you to make your own personalized program list while others provide comprehensive information about each show. Some HDTV converters have a universal remote control included, too, which can be a plus.

Aside from the features of HDTV converters, look at the brand and the cost, as well. If you have a coupon, your choices will be limited to average, relatively inexpensive ones but you can always save up for a high-end HDTV converter of your own. Afterwards, you might want to start saving up for your own HDTV, so you can truly reap the benefits of the best video and audio quality available today.




By: Chris Malone