Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Is built-in HD tuner a huge deal? Re: Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK

Aug 31, 2005 7:52AM PDT

I am thinking of buying that industrial version of the Panasonic HD Plasma (TH-42PHD8UK or TH-42PHD7UY) but it doesn't have the HD tuner. The consumer version does have it.

I plan on using my TV for mostly sports on DISH Network, mostly non-HD feeds (I am not sure if I am going to order the HD pack service).

What's my better bet -- esp. as more programming goes to HD?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
No Problem...
Aug 31, 2005 7:58AM PDT

..As long as you are "feeding" the TV with a cable or satellite which is HD, that's what you'll get. If you're not going to get the "digital package" why are you getting a HD TV?

Only time you'd need a built in tuner is if you wanted to get off the air broadcasts with your own antenna.

- Collapse -
I AGREED!
Aug 31, 2005 8:39AM PDT

Why would anybody buy a HDTV and then cheap out with rabbit ears. I also feel that as HD broadcasts become more common place, the prices for these HD packages will go down.

- Collapse -
HI MR. SPEED
Sep 2, 2005 11:44AM PDT

I really get a kick out of this chat room, and what I see is folks spend big bucks on a hi-def t.v. sets and wont spend a dime on a hi-def tuner then they complain that the picture doesent look good with there $2.00 set of rabbit ears go figure stewart norrie

- Collapse -
I am getting the digital package - just not the HD pack
Aug 31, 2005 9:40AM PDT

DISH network defaults at a digital feed (no analog). I was just wondering if there was any reason to get the HD tuner built in -- I guess that's only to tune antenna feeds.

- Collapse -
I Know, But....
Aug 31, 2005 10:04AM PDT

...If you're not going to get HD programming, why get an HDTV?

- Collapse -
Two reasons
Aug 31, 2005 10:15AM PDT

1) I probably will in the future (and I think DISH is already having a promotion for 6 months free, so I might initially have it anyway)

2) I want to have the possibility of having it regardless -- so that I would have the option of subscribing.

Anyway, thanks for all the input.

- Collapse -
Is built-in HD tuner a huge deal?
Aug 31, 2005 10:34AM PDT

If you have Dish it's not a big deal since Dish HD recivers also have an ATSC OTA HD tuner.
But HDTV is a big deal!!!John

- Collapse -
H.D. dish service the only way to go
Sep 2, 2005 11:34AM PDT

The dish 811 system is awsome and a must for your hi-def t.v. I have basic+the hi-def package and Voom for $45.00 per month and with the awsome hi-def over the air tuner I receive 19 local digital channels 9 of which are in hi-def, thats with a cheap outside antenna also the 811 has optical audio output for your 5.1. sound, now Iam in hi-def heaven watching n.a.s.c.a.r racing and sports in hi-def is awsome