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.
What is an HDTV converter? An HDTV converter is a device which receives digital signals such as HD signals and converts them into analog signals so your analog television can understand them and still display them on your screen. This does NOT mean, though, that it can convert your analog TV into an HDTV, as many people are led to believe. In order for a TV to be classified as HDTV, it cannot just be capable of receiving digital signals. It also has to have a 16:9 aspect ratio and a higher resolution among other things, which requires an entirely new television.
You also have to understand that HDTV converters and HDTV tuners are two different devices. HDTV tuners also receive HD signals, but instead of converting them into analog signals, decode them so they can be properly displayed on the HDTV screen. If you have an analog TV, you do not need an HDTV tuner even if you get an HDTV converter, since the HD signals will still appear as regular ones. To get the full High Definition experience, you need to get both an HDTV and an HDTV tuner, as well as a source for an HD content, although Full HDTVs already have a built-in tuner.
To choose the best HD converter, you will need to consider a few factors, particularly the features. One feature you'll want to look for is Analog (RF) Passthrough so that you can get both digital and analog broadcast signals on your TV. After all, while many TV stations will switch to digital broadcasting, not all will, which means some networks will still broadcast through analog signals - which you will no longer receive if you have an HD converter connected to your analog TV. Because of this, an HD converter with the Analog Passthough feature is recommended, which is definitely more convenient than having to plug and unplog your HD converter to switch between 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.
An HD converter can offer you better sound quality, too, particularly if you buy one with Stereo Output. While the sounds are far from being as crisp and clear as those you hear from an HDTV, the audio quality is still better than what you would normally hear from an analog TV - even more so if you connect the converter to your surround sound system.
Other important features include Smart Antenna Sport Electronic Program Guide or EPG, especially if you want to be able to see what shows are on without having to flip through all the channels. With an EPG, you can even create your own personalized program list or get more information about your favorite TV shows. You might want to check if the converter comes with a universal remote control, as well.
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.
