Is there a difference between HD digital set top boxes and just digital set top boxes??

Question

i have an old analogue tv and want to purchase a HD set top box but i see some advertised as HD digital and some just digital. is there a difference, thanks..

Answer 1

Yes. A standard digital box is not capable of receiving High Definition programming from your Cable or sattelite provider. If you subscribe to any High Definition channels you need an HD digital receiver.

A standard digital receiver although not able to provide you with High Def TV will give you a clearer picture than an analog receiver.

Answer 2

with HD you get a bit better quality and more channels

Answer 3

A standard converter box converts the incoming TV signal to analog. If the program is HD, you will get black bars at the top and bottom of the picture.  It only has A/V or channel 3/4 outputs.

An HD converter box has additional outputs, ie 3 component and HDMI. These outputs will have HD video on them if the incoming program was produced in HD.

you want the standard box. the HD box is only for people who bought "HD ready" displays. your next TV will have the ATSC tuner built-in so you won't have to worry about a converter box.