HDTV without the TV!
Written: Apr 16 '03
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Pros: Great video, Great optical audio, VGA output, Great Value.
Cons: Requires an adapter for component output, occasionally forgets a channel.
The Bottom Line: Great product, Great value. Just be sure to research how you will connect it to your system and how you intend to receive your signal. :-)
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| arbytronix's Full Review: RCA DTC100 DIRECTV System |
First off, this is a Great Product! Originally purchased September 2001, I got a killer low price for it being a demo unit without a remote, cables, and satellite card from a major electronics retailer. The remote was replaced with an RCA Universal Remote for 18 bucks. I already had cables, and I wasn't interested in satellite programming (but you can get the new card with a satellite subscription).
Originally I connected it to a 21" VGA monitor and adjusted the display height of the monitor for the correct wide screen aspect ratio. While the VGA monitor was not good for a family room television it was great for the initial test until I could locate a reasonably priced High Definition (HD) monitor. I use a good quality rooftop UHF antenna ($30) with an antenna rotor ($60) to pull in analog and digital television signals. I successfully receive high quality digital and analog television broadcasts from over 50 miles away.
I was particularly pleased that the analog broadcasts were of better quality than my local cable company could provide, and that the digital broadcasts were even clearer.
It seems that SOME standard definition digital broadcasts appear to be of slightly lower quality than their analog counterpart. This issue, however, is not a problem with the receiver; it is a result of choices made by the broadcaster.
High Definition broadcasts are absolutely incredible.
The converter from VGA to component video was $50 from an on-line auction site.
Recently, my wife picked up a 34" wide screen HD monitor; demo model for only $600! As a result we now have an absolutely wonderful HDTV setup.
So now, for a total of $840 it is possible to have a complete HDTV system.
Some additional notes about the receiver:
It has a standard composite video output, an S-Video output, and two sets of Analog audio outputs. I used it with the s-video input on my 27-inch television and the result was much nicer than what was available from my local cable company. The RCA DTC-100 is a wonderful addition to an existing good quality television to carry it into the digital age until you can get a HD monitor at a reasonable price.
If you are unsure about the availability of digital television in your area, go to antennaweb dot org. The site can provide you with information including antenna pointing directions, type of antenna required, and a listing stations available in analog and digital for your exact location.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100.00
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Epinions.com ID:
arbytronix
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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