I know this isn't technically "digital cable" but I just was curious about something: What format will the new digital OTA broadcasts be encoded in? I ask this because so far I've only been able to find converter boxes that have composite video outputs and surely the new digital format will be higher than CVBS? I though it would at least be in MPEG2, where I could make use of my tv's Y Pb Pr inputs, or maybe even Y/C?

In the US...

OTA = 8VSB
Digital Cable = QAM64/256

All use MPEG2 compression.

To get HD, you need to purchase an HD capable converter to output via component or HDMI. Nothing has changed for many years. ;)

In the US...

OTA = 8VSB
Digital Cable = QAM64/256

All use MPEG2 compression.

To get HD, you need to purchase an HD capable converter to output via component or HDMI. Nothing has changed for many years. ;)

Interesting, so the free OTA broadcasts are in fact HD capable? Could I get 480i over component?

All digital OTA is capable of providing all/any of the 18 ATSC formats/resolutions (HD included).

For HD resolutions, you need component or HDMI inputs on the display and a an HD capable receiver/tuner which typically have both types of outputs.

Component can carry 480i and higher.

Typically, CECB's (coupon digital converters) only support 480i and only have RF/composite/S-Video outputs. None of which support 480p or higher.

u basically need a digital tuner not a converter...but those are hard to come by nowadays. all new televisions have the digital tuners built into them now...u can find them on amazon and ebay im sure. most of them have hdmi & component outputs as well. here's one http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=audiovideo&type=digitalsettopbox&subtype=hdtvtuners&model_cd=DTB-H260F/XAA

Theres also a thread on it in this forum somewhere.

Free OTA carries all of the HD that is available on those channels with cable. If you have an HDTV with a digital tuner you can connect directly to an antenna and receive HD.

Well I don't have an HD tv, I have a nicer 480i SD tube set with component inputs, I just want to use the highest video standard possible for OTA broadcasts.

Well I don't have an HD tv, I have a nicer 480i SD tube set with component inputs, I just want to use the highest video standard possible for OTA broadcasts.

the samsung digital tuner is what u need then...u can adjust the resolution between 1080i 720p and 480p/i

Well I don't have an HD tv, I have a nicer 480i SD tube set with component inputs, I just want to use the highest video standard possible for OTA broadcasts.
Your component inputs, your TV and no matter what tuner you attach, it will only accept and display 480i.:rolleyes:

Perhaps you should look into an HDTV. That way you don't have to go to the expense to buy an external HD tuner for an old TV since the majority of HDTV's have built in tuners. ;)

If you don't want to change your tv, get a converter box. They receive quite well.

If you're in the market for a new HD TV, read up, most have tuners newer than set top boxes, and should provide better reception.

If you don't want to change your tv, get a converter box. They receive quite well.

If you're in the market for a new HD TV, read up, most have tuners newer than set top boxes, and should provide better reception.
Personally, I believe the CECBs have newer designs than the TVs due to their shorter design cycle. TV design cycles run about 2 years, the boxes were only about 6 months. TVs probably won't catch up for about another year.

Even then a box can be more sensitive since it doesn't have to put up with electrically noisy power supplies and scan circuits in close physical proximity. VCRs had tuners far superior to TV tuners for several (4-6) years after their introduction because of this aspect.