Digital TV Tuner
What Is A Digital TV Tuner?
A digital TV tuner is an electronic device which sends digital TV signals to
another device with a monitor. The monitor can be a computer monitor in the case of a TV tuner card or a TV monitor
in the case of a digital converter box. Each is a specific product; the TV tuner card for a computer cannot be used
as a digital converter box for a TV, and vice versa. The digital TV tuner designed for computer viewing is
typically smaller than that designed for television converter box use.
Trends In Digital TV Tuner
There are two main trends in digital TV tuners. One is the trend of being built-in; the other is
the trend of getting smaller.
A built-in TV tuner is a feature present in some of the more recent models of laptop computers.
Laptop makers are becoming increasingly aware that laptop users are mobile and frequently get their entertainment
on the go. The built-in TV tuner avoids the need for plugging in an external USB device, and allows the laptop to
get any free-to-air channels that are available in the location, for example at airports or hotels.
Another example of the rise in the built-in trend is that of the Blu-ray recorder with a
built-in digital TV tuner. The built-in digital tuner allows the Blu-ray recorder to route the TV signals to the
monitor with the added option of recording shows in Blu-ray format. This allows the Blu-ray recorder to take the
place of a digital converter box, if desired.
The trend of the smaller TV tuner is exemplified by stick-sized wireless USB TV tuners for computers. Unlike wired models, these allow for better
portability for laptop users and a smaller footprint and less wires for desktop users.
Another example of a smaller TV tuner is that which acts as a converter box. Typically,
converter boxes are as large as an average DVD or Blu-ray player. However, smaller digital TV tuners have been
developed for the digital converter market. The smallest currently available is about 3x3x0.5 cm (equivalent to
1x1x0.25 inches). The idea is that instead of having a big converter box sitting beneath the TV, the smaller TV
tuner can easily be attached at the back of the TV, saving both space and untidy cabling.
Things To Consider In A Digital TV Tuner
When thinking of buying a digital TV tuner, there are several things to consider that are common
to both the TV tuner for computer use and to the TV tuner for converter box use.
One thing to consider is the video format. The video format supported by a TV tuner needs to be
compatible with the country-specific television format. For example, this format would be NTSC in the US and Japan,
but PAL in India and some European countries.
Another consideration is antenna use. Most models of digital TV tuner require an indoor antenna, regardless of whether it is for
computer viewing or for converter box purposes. In some models of TV tuner, the antenna comes with the tuner and
in other cases needs to be purchased separately. If it is to be purchased separately, the instructions for the
model of TV tuner will specify the overall antenna size; it is important to consider this requirement beforehand
to ensure that there is sufficient space available for the antenna in the desired location.
Laptop TV Tuner
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