External HDTV Receiver Question

[nightflier]

I just added an HDTV receiver to my HT setup which I intend to use for non-cable, over-the-air reception of local HDTV broadcasts. It has three video connections on the back: composite, s-video, and VGA. My HDTV-ready TV only has composite, s-video, and component video, so:

- For s-video, what is the rated resolution? Will it support 1080i? If not, what is the best resolution it will support?
- Will I be better off using the VGA output instead? If so, what type/brand of adapter should I use to convert the signal to component video?

Also, I have not yet purchased an antenna, but was considering the Radio Shack $49 model. Is there anything better out there I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

[edtyct]

S-video is an analog, 480i format. For HD, you'll need to use the receiver's VGA output to the TV's component input, and you'll need a transcoder to complete the process, since a simple component to VGA adaptor won't work. The most well-known transcoder is the Audio Authority 09A60, which many people (me included) used in the early days of the RCA DTC-100 satellite/OTA receiver (is that the receiver that you're using?). RCA also came out with its own transcoder to compete with Audio Authority's at the same price. As far as I know the Audio Authority version is still for sale at Copperbox for $129,

A bunch of different antennas can do the job, depending on how far you are from the source and what's in the way of the signal. If can get away with a low-profile antenna on a window sill or somewhere near your system, Terk has a few inconspicuous models. They market them as HD antennas, which is hogwash. But unless the looks of the Radio Shack one bothers you, see if it can do the job. If not, take it back to the store. Don't forget to find out how many stations are in your area.

Ed

[nightflier]

S-video is an analog, 480i format. For HD, you'll need to use the receiver's VGA output to the TV's component input, and you'll need a transcoder to complete the process, since a simple component to VGA adaptor won't work. The most well-known transcoder is the Audio Authority 09A60, which many people (me included) used in the early days of the RCA DTC-100 satellite/OTA receiver (is that the receiver that you're using?).

Yes, it's an RCA DTC-100. Got a great deal on a used one (I like to keep costs down). What resolution can I expect with the Audio Authority transcoder?

Terk has a few inconspicuous models. They market them as HD antennas, which is hogwash.

The one from Radio Shack is a Terk. What did you mean by "hogwash"?

[edtyct]

The transcoder will provide whatever resolution the DTC-100 sends across. I don't remember whether the DTC-100 does 720p; it may default to 1080i for high def. If you have a CRT, 720p would become 1080i, anyway, unless you have one of those rare birds that downconverts 720p to 480p. I believe that the DTC-100 upconverts non-HD formats to 540p (though the manual doesn't say so). However, if you have a fixed-pixel display, both formats will be scaled to the display's native resolution. In short, you'll get high definition if you have a high-definition-capable set.

The hogwash comment was not to imply that the Terks can't get HD, only that antennas aren't really classified as SD or HD. Antennas are antennas; some are better than others.

Ed

[nightflier]

The hogwash comment was not to imply that the Terks can't get HD, only that antennas aren't really classified as SD or HD. Antennas are antennas; some are better than others. Ed

Any other brands or specs I should consider for the antenna?

[edtyct]

You only want to get as much antenna as you need. Go to the Terk site and click on "Antenna Locator" at the bottom of the indoor/outdoor antenna page. Enter your zip code. A list of all channels accessible in your area will come up, provided by CEA. You can customize the list for digital, analog, or both. The color coding of each channel will tell you what kind of antenna you'll need to receive it. If you're interested primarily in stations with a red code, then your chances of succeeding with one of the indoor antennas are best, and so on down the line. If you want channels that are hard to get, you'll be better off with some variation on an outdoor antenna, possibly with an amp and high directionality. Winegard also makes good antennas, if you want to check out an alternative.

Ed