DVB-T Tuner. Why??

I`m thinking of buying a DVD recorder for the first time and some include a DVB-T tuner.

What does it do that a Freeview box does`nt ??

What would I need it for?

Is it worth the extra?

Any thoughts Thankyou

 

The one fact I have learned is that having Freeview built in ALWAYS gives a better picture than an external box. An external box converts a digital signal to analogue for the SCART connection and back again in the DVD recorder to put down on DVD or HD. This conversion has a degrading effect, it can be some what overcome by buying quality cables to interconnect the two items (this costs yet more money).
The same is true with TV's (LCD's and Plasma's) that use an external freeview box, it is never the same quality.

 

It's also more convenient - you only have to set one timer.

 

Thanks for the replies.

What I`m really after is what do I need to maintain a digital path from the aerial to the LCD TV

 

I don't know of any current freeview PVR that has an HDMI output

 

If I were you I wouldn't consider a recorder or a TV without Freeview now. If if you would have a spare Freeview box knocking around you might sell it for a fiver or just give it away now Tesco have a £10 box available.

Setting two timers for recording is a wretched nuisance. You have to allow for over-runs on both boxes, they sometimes have different programming techniques (e.g. Start-stop times, start-duration), different repeat options and more stuff to plug into the mains, more daisy-chain aerial connections, most Freeview boxes will only give composite colour from the timer output, another box under the TV - and another box to leave permanently on or in standby.

Frankly, I can't imagine why any manufacturers are still producing TVs or recorders without digital tuners. I'd almost say that in some areas of the country it represents mis-selling because the device soon won't do 'what it says on the box'. If you are in a good digital reception area you don't need a dual tuner, and I doubt if a digital tuner chip costs significantly more than analogue.

 

Thanks for the replies.

So is it true that when the digital switchover happens you will not get apicture unless yiu`ve got a DVB-T tuner?

What about Freeview tiners in LCD tv`s -will they become useless?

 

No, as Gavtech said above, A DVB-T tuner IS a freeview tuner. They are basically the same thing.

 

It is true. You can find out when you will lose analogue transmissions here:
http://www.ukfree.tv/closedown.php
The animation is very good!