I have an analogue tv and need a set top box for subtitles. What is the difference between the standard and high definition set top box. Should I be content with a standard or go for a HD

Since you don't have an HD set you would be wasting the advantage of the HD STB,(HDMI or component outputs). If your set has S or composite inputs I would use those instead of the F (RF) connector. You should see a little improvement using one of those inputs.

Since you don't have an HD set you would be wasting the advantage of the HD STB,(HDMI or component outputs). If your set has S or composite inputs I would use those instead of the F (RF) connector. You should see a little improvement using one of those inputs.

The OP didn't say that his/her set was SD, just analog (I've got a CRT-RPTV that's 1080i, but it's analog).

Nit-picking aside, though (I agree the analog set is likely SD), if you are buying I'd go for HD, since eventually you'll get a new HDTV (in the meantime, you might be able to see what you're missing by plugging it into your PC monitor (assuming the STB has suitable outputs). The Closed Captions in HD are much nicer than the SD channels (smaller/thinner font, you don't lose as much of the picture).

If you're renting from a cable company I'd go with an HD box, provided that the box rental is the same as a standard box. Timewarner is like this; all boxes are the same fee.

If the HD rental is extra, I say standard so you're not throwing money away. Rent the standard and just swap the box for an HD one if you get an HDTV.

If you buy a box, I say go ahead and get HD now.

If you're renting from a cable company I'd go with an HD box, provided that the box rental is the same as a standard box. Timewarner is like this; all boxes are the same fee.

If the HD rental is extra, I say standard so you're not throwing money away. Rent the standard and just swap the box for an HD one if you get an HDTV.

If you buy a box, I say go ahead and get HD now.



I agree

Using an HD box and paying extra for the service will give you access to HD only channels, even though they will be down converted to SD. Channels like HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet movies and MHD might be worth having even if you lose the great picture quality. Check the program guides to see if anything looks interesting. Note that some of these HD channels run with limited or no commercial interruptions and carry programming you can't get elsewhere.

If the OP's TV is so old, he needs a STB just to get subtitles (closed captioning), I think he needs a HD box. Well, actually, a STB that receives in digital channels be they in SD or HD. The reason I think of that, is that for digital channels, the closed captioning is done in the STB. Right?