What HDTV buyers need to know about connectivity
DTV vs. HDTV
Digital television (DTV) may be either standard definition (SDTV) or high definition (HDTV). Most DTV-delivery services offer a mix of SD and HD channels. But you'd be crazy to limit your video display to SDTV, so we'll refer to sets as HDTVs.
What mode of DTV service will you use?
DTV is available via broadcast, cable, or satellite. To access over-the-air digital television, including HDTV, your screen or set-top box must have a DVB-T, digital-tuner. Over-the-air analog channels require standard PAL/NTSC tuner which is standard for most, if not all, TVs. For cable and satellite, we have offerings such as StarHub's Hubstation and HD settop box. Lastly, we have IPTV services including Singtel MioTV delivered via an Internet connection.
Other source components
To view HDTV on disc, the best option is to buy a Blu-ray player, with the Sony PlayStation 3 the best option due to its ability to upgrade and add new features via the Net. HD-capable digital and personal video recorders are available from some smaller manufacturers.
Connectivity
Don't buy a HDTV without at least one HDMI input for each of your high-def source components. Most TVs should have at least two nowadays. Avoid sets with the older DVI interface--it's digital, but not fully compatible with some sources. Second best is component-video, a high-def-capable analog connection. S-video and composite-video are not high-def capable. An antenna-compatible set must have an RF antenna input.
