ATSC digital set-top receivers are devices that receive and decode digital television signals for output on a high definition TVs (HDTV) that don't have built-in digital tuners.
Most people use a cable/satellite box to serve this purpose. However, some people don't subscribe to cable/satellite, or they don't want to pay for the upgradeable HD service/box to receive local channels.
Note: HD signals are part of the ATSC spectrum. I recommend using the service providers box (when possible).
1. Viewsonic HDTV Video Tuner - Model HD12
The HD12 is the more sophisticatd one of the two Viewsonic ATSC receivers. The lower priced model is the HD10. Here are features for the HD12 according to Viewsonic:
- Receives ATSC and NTSC TV signals
- Compatible with all 18 ATSC signal formats
- Compatible with VHF and UHF TV signals
- Video connections include DVI (HDCP), component, composite, S-video and VGA (RGB)
- Picture-in-picture capability
- Displays content in 4:3 and 16:9
- Output resolution in 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
2. Humax HFA100 HDTV Tuner
The HFA100 is an over-the-air (OTA) digital TV receiver, which means it isn't something you would use to receive cable or satellite programming. It will receive and decode all 18 ATSC digital formats. Here are some more details according to Humax:
- Video connections include HDMI (1), Component (1) , S-Video (1), composite (1)
- Audio outputs include RCA stereo L/R (1), Optical Dolby Digital
- Output resolution in 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i
- On-screen guided set up and Electronic Program Guide
3. Samsung SIR-T451 High Definition TV Tuner
The SIR-T451 is a nice looking ATSC receiver. It is an over-the-air (OTA) digital TV receiver, which means it isn't something you would use to receive cable or satellite programming. Here are details according to Samsung:
- Decodes all 18 ATSC Table 3 broadcast formats
- Audio output in Dolby Digital 2.0 or Dolby Digital 5.1
- Output in 1080i, 720p or 480p
- Video connections include DVI (1), Component (1), Composite (1)
- Audio connections include RCA stereo (R/L), Dolby Digital Coaxial and Optical
4. RCA ATSC11 High Definition Tuner w/ DVI
The ATSC11 is is an over-the-air (OTA) digital TV receiver, which means it isn't something you would use to receive cable or satellite programming. Here are some features according to RCA:
- Receives all 18 ATSC signal formats
- Output resolutions are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
- Onscreen program guide
- V-Chip parental controls
- Video connections include DVI (1), component (1), S-Video (1), composite (1)
- Audio outputs include digital-audio (1 optical, 1 coaxial), RCA stereo l/r (1)
5. Sylvania 6900DTE ATSC/HDTV Broadcast Set-Top Box Receiver
The 6900DTE is a nice box capable of digital-to-analog conversion, which means a person could watch a digital signal on an analog television with this box. This is a good box for those not wanting to buy a digital television, but continue receiving OTA signals once the digital transition is complete in 2009. Here are some other features according to Sylvania:
- Receives ATSC HDTV Digital broadcast signals
- Output in 16:9 and 4:3
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
