HDTV-Capable and HDTV-Ready

One of the commendable features of a digital TV is that it can receive and display both ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) Digital TV signals and NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) Analog TV signals.

While shopping for HDTV, one might come across terms like HDTV-Capable and HDTV-Ready. Speaking in layman’s terms, a digital TV that is capable of displaying an HDTV quality image is a HDTV-Capable.

However, it is not incorporated with HDTV receiver or tuner, hence, cannot catch a HDTV signal. Such a digital TV requires a separate HDTV receiver to be connected to the set. Do not be baffled, if the shopkeeper uses terms like Set-Top-Box (STB) or Decoder. They are the names given to HDTV receiver or tuner.

HDTV-Ready is generally used as a substitute of HDTV-Capable. However, one should be clear that HDTV-Ready does not always mean HDTV-Capable. Before installing an independent HDTV tuner, one should always check whether it is attuned to the HDTV set and to the cable or satellite system being used. Also, the independent HDTV tuner should be proficient in receiving Over-The-Air (OTA) television broadcasts.

Remember, “Digital ready" and "HDTV-ready" do not essentially mean that your TV will receive and exhibit digital HDTV programs. Before making the final purchase, always confirm that the HDTV set you have chosen shows real HDTV resolutions.

There are some HDTV-Ready sets designed in such a way that they can receive HDTV signals, but cannot display pictures in HDTV Resolutions.