ATSC & QAM HDTV/SD TV Tuner w/HDMI Out Specs:

• This device does not have an NTSC tuner, only ATSC & QAM.
• HDMI output provides the highest picture quality
• Full Movie Quality sound though Dolby digital decoder or pass though for connection to home theater system.
• Easy to use on screen menu
• Parental control
• Closed captioning
• Allows Clear QAM (64/256) Digital Cable TV Reception
• High performance, multi-standard video decoder (480p; 720p; 1080i)
• Fully ATSC Compliant
• Automatic Channel Scan
• Selectable Picture Aspect Ratio for 4:3 and 16:9 TV Screens
• 1 HDMI Port
• 1 Optical Port
• 1 S-Video Port
• 1 Set Composite Plugs
• 1 Set Component Plugs
• Antenna In / TV Out F Coaxial Cable Connector
• Channel 3 / Channel 4 Switch
• Support for Closed-Caption Information
• Support English, French and Spanish
• Support User Friendly OSD and Easy Main Menu
• Zooming of Video Pictures
• Parental Control
• Allows Over the Air HDTV Reception w/ No Monthly Fee
• Supports ALL Resolutions
• Supports 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i
• Output: Component,Composite, VGA, HDMI, Optical Audio
• Easy To Use Program Guide

ATSC & QAM HDTV/SD TV Tuner w/HDMI Out Includes:

• Digital ATSC Set Top Converter Box
• User Instruction Manual
• Remote Control
• 2 "AAA" Batteries

This tuner is not NTSC compliant. NTSC refers to the committee that created the standard called the National Television System Committee. The National Television System Committee was established in 1940 by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to resolve conflicts which arose between companies over the introduction of a nationwide analog television system in the United States. In March 1941, the NTSC approved the technical standard for black and white televisions.

The committee was reconstituted in January 1950 to create a standard for color television. In March 1953 the Nation Television System Committee approved the NTSC color television standard. The NTSC is the standard television system in the United States and is not compatible with UK or European transmission systems called PAL (Phase Alternate Line).

ATSC: In 1982, (ATSC) Advanced Television Systems Committee was created to generate a standard for digital television which is designed to replace NTSC in the United States. ATSC provides for high definition including the 16:9 wide screen format up to 1920x1080 pixels in size. Also ATSC supports theater quality sound using the Dolby Digital AC-3 format which provides 5.1 surround sound. The FCC mandates the broadcasters use ATSC instead of NTSC by early 2009.

QAM stands for quadrature amplitude modulation which is the format cable channels are encoded and transmitted via cable. Using a QAM tuner you would be able to receive unencrypted digital signals via your cable provider without needing a digital cable box. QAM tuners are the cable equivalent of the ATSC tuner. Unlike the FCC requirement that ATSC tuners are required in new television sets, QAM tuners are not required.

Integrated QAM tuners allow for reception of unscrambled digital programming sent unencrypted by cable providers, usually local broadcast stations. Since most cable providers consider digital channels as not part of their basic cable packages, most digital channels are scrambled. Which channels are scrambled varies greatly from location to location, and can change over time. In this case you need a digital cable box or CableCARD to unencrypt the signal.

You need QAM basic cable: You do need to have basic cable running in your home--and cable outlets around your house to tap into To get basic cable, you usually have to pay something. Satellite systems like Direct TV and Dish don't work with QAM. There's no ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, and assorted other "premium" channels. Depending on your provider and location, you may get some bonus channels such as TBS and WGN.

Q: Does this have an NTSC tuner built in?

A: No, this device does not have an NTSC tuner, only ATSC & QAM.

HDTV Supply includes a 1 Year Limited U.S. Warranty on this ATSC & QAM HDTV Tuner with HDMI Out. The U.S. warranty states that (a) its products will perform substantially in accordance with the accompanying written materials for a period of 1 year from the date of receipt and (b) that the NTSC, ATSC & QAM HDTV Tuner will be free from defects in materials & workmanship under normal use & service for a period of 1 year. In order to get a warranty replacement for a defective item, HDTV Supplys Support Team will verify the ATSC & QAM HDTV Tuner is eligible for warranty. An RMA number will then be issued. Shipped replacements will be in like new conditions, tested and all components included. A 30-day RETURN also comes with this warranty.

HDTV Supply also sells a 3 and 5 Year Extended U.S. Warranty for this NTSC, ATSC & QAM HDTV Tuner with HDMI Out. Please go to Extended Warranties or see the above Options to purchase it.