Published Nov. 16, 2002 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Q) \u00a0 My stereo system is already connected to my DVD player. I’d like to have stereo sound from my TV even when I’m not playing DVD’s. I have a digital cable box, a VCR, a TV with loads of inputs, but my stereo only has the two jacks and they’re connected to the DVD. Do I need a new stereo system?
\n-Teri Hunter<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0No need for another stereo. \u00a0 You can get a passive (non-powered) switchbox for $30 or less at Sears or Radio Shack. \u00a0 It will have several inputs and one output. \u00a0 You will need this switchbox, and an extra set of stereo interconnects with RCA plugs.<\/p>\n
Using the RCA interconnects, connect the output plugs from switchbox to your stereo’s input. \u00a0 You connect your other sources such as the DVD player and the VCR to the switchbox. \u00a0 Once connected, whatever you select on the switchbox will be sent downstream to the stereo.<\/p>\n
Most of the switchboxes have video inputs too. \u00a0 If you want to use these as well, connect the video outputs from your sources to the switchbox in conjunction with the audio outputs. \u00a0 Then connect the video output from the switchbox to the TV’s video input. \u00a0 Now, when you select a source on the switchbox, it will route the sound to your stereo and the picture to your TV. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0I purchased a high definition receiver for my HDTV and next week DirecTV is coming to install. \u00a0 Do I need an elliptical shaped dish? \u00a0 Will the regular dish pick up the HDTV signals?<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0In order to receive the HDTV signals from DirecTV, the elliptical dish is required. \u00a0 This will receive DirecTV’s HDTV signal, but not local HDTV signals. You may be pleased to learn there is local HDTV programming you can get for free using your new receiver. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Did you know that your DirecTV HDTV receiver also picks up local HDTV broadcasts from Pittsburgh’s network affiliates such as WTAE, WQED, WPXI and KDKA? \u00a0 It works as both a satellite receiver and an over-the-air (OTA) receiver. \u00a0 You will need a UHF antenna as well as the elliptical satellite dish. \u00a0 Both are connected to the DirecTV HDTV receiver. \u00a0 The satellite dish will pull in your DirecTV channels, the antenna, local HDTV channels.<\/p>\n
The best antennas for HDTV reception are roof-mounted UHF antennas with a rotor to turn it for the best reception. \u00a0 With a good antenna and a good installer, you should be able to get all of the local channels with no problem. A good antenna installation should cost no more than $300, and with it you will get lots of HDTV for free. \u00a0 If you don’t want to incur the additional expense of a professionally installed antenna, some of the small indoor ones may work for you, depending on where you live. \u00a0 Zenith markets a small antenna called the Silver Sensor that is reputed to give good results.<\/p>\n
A great deal of programming is now available in HDTV, with more available next year. \u00a0 (For instance, Monday Night Football, and the 2003 Super Bowl on ABC.) \u00a0 If you have an HDTV-ready set, the time to go get that HDTV tuner is now. \u00a0 Besides the ability to watch stunning HDTV images, there are other benefits as well. \u00a0 Many people who purchase the new HDTV-ready sets are disappointed with the picture quality from non-HDTV broadcasts. \u00a0 Almost all local programming is broadcast simultaneously on both the HDTV and regular channel. \u00a0 If you have the HDTV tuner, you can watch local non-HDTV television shows over the HDTV channel, which is much clearer than watching it from cable or satellite.<\/p>\n