Author Topic: Is your HDTV equipped with an ISDB-T tuner? (Read 33184 times)

hitman531ph · « **on:** Apr 01, 2013 at 04:57 PM »

While everyone seems to be happy that prices of LCD and LED TV are going down at a faster pace, many sellers from known and trusted PDVD sellers as well as the bigger-name appliance stores are enjoying brisk sales. And that's good. Some are HD Ready, others are Full HD, and those with 3D and rare few UHD or 4K (as of this writing).

The question is: Is that HDTV equipped with a built-in ISDB-T tuner?

By 2016, the NTC mandates all local TV stations to upgrade to digital broadcasting and has adopted ISDB-T as the medium of digital broadcast. The US will adopt ATSC. Europe will adopt DVB. Japan and most South American countries will adopt ISDB-T.

If you buy your HDTV now, you would expect it to last beyond 2016. Imagine that it is now the last quarter of 2015. Only then will the general Filipino viewing public be informed by the local TV stations of the need to buy a set-top box or converter set. At that time, electronics shops and even HDTV sellers will be selling them perhaps at five to ten times the current price.

Cable TV and satellite TV are exempted from the switch to HD. If you have cable or satellite, then the ISDB-T tuner might be a non-issue for you. But what if your cable or satellite conks out and it's the NBA Finals which is also covered by free-to-air TV? Or an important news broadcast? Having the ISDB-T tuner will certainly come in handy.

But there are those whose residence are in areas not yet covered by cable TV. And then there are those who cannot afford satellite TV. 90 percent of households in the country do not have cable or satellite subscriptions. More so, in the rural countryside. Low income is one reason they have no cable or satellite subscriptions.

And then there are those TVs used in vehicles such as cars, vans and public transport such as buses. You certainly cannot carry cable and satellite in your vehicle or public transport.

With the ISDB-T coming in less than three years, it is astonishing that only one brand has equipped their line of HDTV with built-in ISDB-T tuner. Really. Even the flagship models of very popular and well-known brands today do not have built in ISDB-T tuners.

With a built-in ISDB-T tuner, there is no need for a set-top box or converter set.

Will the big-name and well-known brands start to sell HDTV equipped with built-in ISDB-T tuner by 2015? Most probably so. But at that time they will add several thousands as a premium for having an ISDB-T tuner. Another opportunity to vacuum clean your wallet.

The set-top box becomes an added cost which will become highly in demand and at skyrocket prices by then. And it is because most people who are buying HDTV now are not aware of this feature and not aware of the digital upgrade or are not paying attention to the presence or absence of a built-in ISDB-T tuner.

So, when buying an HDTV, you now know what important question to ask.

Clondalkin · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 01, 2013 at 05:42 PM »

The bigger problem would be those who still cant afford to buy a digital TV when analog broadcast ends in 2016.

Nelson de Leon · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 01, 2013 at 07:09 PM »

Quote from: Clondalkin on Apr 01, 2013 at 05:42 PM

The bigger problem would be those who still cant afford to buy a digital TV when analog broadcast ends in 2016.

Yup. And I'm also speculating, matagal pa ito sa Pinas.

AC · « **Reply #3 on:** Apr 01, 2013 at 07:14 PM »

mageend ba talaga analog broadcast or magkakaroon lang ng option na digital?
devant may digital tuner kayalang... ang mahal for a generic tv..
priced like a samsung pero lagi lang may freebie... hindi magaling mata ko sa pagtingin ng PQ.. i dont know why.. kung panget lang sample materials nila.. pero di talaga ako nagagandahan sa output ng devant...

hitman531ph · « **Reply #4 on:** Apr 01, 2013 at 09:19 PM »

For those who are still using CRT by 2016, they could use a converter set. But they will not enjoy HD.

Tempter · « **Reply #5 on:** Apr 01, 2013 at 10:11 PM »

Quote from: hitman531ph on Apr 01, 2013 at 09:19 PM

For those who are still using CRT by 2016, they could use a converter set. But they will not enjoy HD.

Being digital doesn't necessarily mean HD. And of course its a CRT so no HD

ninjababez® · « **Reply #6 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 03:32 AM »

Quote from: hitman531ph on Apr 01, 2013 at 04:57 PM

With the ISDB-T coming in less than three years, it is astonishing that only one brand has equipped their line of HDTV with built-in ISDB-T tuner.

anong brand ito bro?

Philander · « **Reply #7 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 07:14 AM »

Quote from: ninjababez® on Apr 02, 2013 at 03:32 AM

anong brand ito bro?

Devant, if I'm not mistaken.

Philander · « **Reply #8 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 07:22 AM »

The reason why the flagship panels do not have build in tuner is because the owner will likely subscribe to a cable system anyway. It is a manufacturing cost, etc, service issue if its conks out. I myself dont want to have a build in tuner in a high end display panel. I want separates, so if one conks out, I can still use the other.

mbtorn · « **Reply #9 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 09:03 AM »

Quote from: Philander on Apr 02, 2013 at 07:22 AM

The reason why the flagship panels do not have build in tuner is because the owner will likely subscribe to a cable system anyway. It is a manufacturing cost, service issue it its conks out. I myself dont want to have a build in tuner in a high end display panel. I want separates, so if one conks out, I can still use the other.

+ 1000

hitman531ph · « **Reply #10 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 09:30 AM »

ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA and PTV are now doing trials and test broadcast on their current programming on digital free-to-air broadcast. I just saw a car TV with ISDB-T advertised on Sulit. Priced at 7,500 for 9-inch screen and 6,500 for the 7-inch screen.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #11 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 09:38 AM »

Quote from: Philander on Apr 02, 2013 at 07:22 AM

The reason why the flagship panels do not have build in tuner is because the owner will likely subscribe to a cable system anyway. It is a manufacturing cost, service issue it its conks out. I myself dont want to have a build in tuner in a high end display panel. I want separates, so if one conks out, I can still use the other.

I agree with you about that. For those with technical knowledge and with resources, a set-top box is the way to go. You most probably have a cable or satellite TV subscription too. If you do prefer separates, get yourself a separate ISDB-T tuner. You never know if your cable or satellite service conks out too, for example, during or aftermath of a typhoon, or simply a technical problem with your service provider.

But even the flagship models of various big-name or well-known brands today have a built-in analog tuner (NTSC). It's not likely that you'll get a separate NTSC tuner for that. However, before 2015 ends, you're more likely to see built-in ISDB-T tuners even in the flagship models.

And prices of those HDTV equipped with only an analog tuner will come further down and manufacturers or distributors will offer converters or set-top boxes as freebies.

Clondalkin · « **Reply #12 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 09:56 AM »

Appropriate set-top digital tuners (if required) would not be expensive. Sa Pilipinas pa na ang daming China options. Hindi pagkakakitaan yon and walang bibili non kapag mahal.

barrister · « **Reply #13 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:08 AM »

We shouldn't worry too much about this.

AFAIK, this was the first PDVD thread about it:

Quote from: bachwitz on Jun 29, 2006 at 05:49 PM

NTC, private sector working on transition to digital TV

By Erwin Oliva
INQ7.net
Last updated 05:07pm (Mla time) 06/29/2006

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=7274

That was in 2006. Transition, 2015 daw.

The NTC announced the Philippine digital standard ---- DVB-T:

Quote from: barrister on Jan 26, 2007 at 06:25 PM

Official statement:

NTC Memorandum (Nov. 3, 2006):

xxx

The Technical Working Group (TWG) for digital terrestrial television, composed of representatives from the Commission, network associations, broadcasters/network operators and industry associations, has evaluated the individual characteristics of the various platforms, and it has determined that while ATSC and DVB-T differ little in video/audio signal quality and program capacity, the latter offers advantages in terms of terrestrial transmission/networking, interoperability with other technology applications, proven capability for mobile terrestrial reception, its ability to satisfactorily address the multipath/ghosting problem, and its capability to support single frequency networks. Moreover, current deployment of digital television systems show that DVB-T is emerging as the global preference, with far more countries having adopted, or are in the process of adopting, the DVB platform, thus ensuring equipment availability and enhancing affordability. Given these considerations, the TWG has recommended the adoption of DVB-T as the digital television standard in the country. To date, comments submitted by various sectors to the Commission have made the same recommendation.

The Commission, along with the TWG, also had a videoconference with ATSC Forum President Robert Graves as well as Mr. Wayne Luplow of the US Consumer Electronics Association in order to discuss technical concerns and to request for updates on the developments to the ATSC platform. The ATSC Forum, however, has yet to comment on the previous consultative documents issued by the Commission.

xxx

Paano yung bumili ng imported TV with ATSC tuner? They're out of luck. DVB-T na ang Philippines officially. ABS-CBN had even started transmitting test broadcasts in DVB-T.

Para future-proof, bili ka ng TV with DVB-T tuner.

Pero pinalitan nila ang standard. Officially, the NTC chose the Japanese standard ISDB-T in Memorandum Circular 02-06-2010.

Para future-proof, bili ka ng TV with ISDB-T tuner.

Na naman? E kung ma-extend ang 2015 deadline at palitan na naman ang digital standard?

Why not wait for actual implementation and just buy a set-top box pag talagang may digital TV na. After a few years and we see a stable standard, that's the time to buy a TV with built-in digital tuner.

By that time, ang TV mo, mas bago na, mas magaling pa ang perfromance, may proper digital tuner pa, mas mura pa.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #14 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:09 AM »

OK. Two brands now have ISDB-T. Devant and Changhong. The big-name brands will eventually follow.

By the way, China is using DMB-T/H digital TV format. This also covers Macau and Hong Kong.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #15 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:15 AM »

The NTC has reached a decision to adopt ISDB-T in 2010.

https://ntc.gov.ph/laws/mc/MC%202010/MC%2002-06-2010%20Standard%20for%20Digital%20Terrestrial%20Television%20(DTT)%20Broadcast%20Service.pdf

Hmm... it mentions Dolby Digital.

barrister · « **Reply #16 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:22 AM »

That's the 2nd Memorandum Circular, which changed in 2010 the official standard previously announced in 2006.

There's no assurance that they won't change the standard again in a 3rd Memorandum Circular.

Philander · « **Reply #17 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:23 AM »

DVB-T Tuners sa HMR, from Php 490.00; dont worry magkakaroon din yan ng ISDB-T tuner.

Yes, we shouldn't worry. What's your angle TS?

Start buying HDTVs with ISDB-T tuner? Like from THAT devant?

? Sorry now way!

Eh mga cable providers nga dito iba ibang proprietary cable box, card system, disk satelite, etc. mapa digital and analog ang inooffer, yet people still subscribe kasi naman ang NTSC broadcast signal sobrang hina. Eh di lalo na pag nag digital broadcast. Sa palagay mo ba hindi babawi ang Local Networks sa gastos nila sa pag digital?

Im sure baka sila na magprovide ng cable box or receiver para sa PPVs nila.

barrister · « **Reply #18 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:26 AM »

Oo nga naman.

Pag may digital broadcast na, ano papanoorin mo sa ISDB-T tuner? Wowowillie?

Philander · « **Reply #19 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:30 AM »

Ewan ko ng aba bat naliligaw ang Pinas at biglang naisipang mag adopt ng ISDB-T

All along I thought firm na sa DVB-T... bat di na lang kasi mag ATSC, simple, straight forward, and tested already.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #20 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:40 AM »

Quote from: barrister on Apr 02, 2013 at 10:26 AM

Oo nga naman.

Pag may digital broadcast na, ano papanoorin mo sa ISDB-T tuner? Wowowillie?

No. Most likely, I would use it only for news and public affairs programming, if my cable service conks out during or after a strong typhoon or if the cable provider experiences technical problems.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #21 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:41 AM »

2013. The NTC once again endorses the use of ISDB-T.

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/52680/ntc-endorses-adoption-of-japanese-digital-tv-standard

AC · « **Reply #22 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:52 AM »

hehe...mafafaceout ba ang analog antenna tv pag lumabas ang digital?
parang hindi pwede saatin sa pilipinas... ang dami pa kasing CRT saatin... we are electronics/tv enthusiasts kaya andito tayo.. pero ang dami pang tao hindi pa nagpapalit to flat panel... edi lahat sila hindi na magagamit tv nila? baka bigla tayo makakita ng bagong partylist "analog tv partylist" hehe

hindi ako marunong sa mga technical stuff sa digial antenna.. pero... ang daming beses na pala nagpapalit ng standard ntc.. parang hindi yata ok bumili ng ganito kaaga futureproofing.. hehe

anyways.. masyado mahal ang devant para sa kung ano siya...

imho its ok to buy branded tvs.. kasi maganda quality.. samsung sony lg toshiba

ok din bumili ng oem like myview ovation dahil value for money

o.t.
pero devant is priced like branded pero di branded.. magaling lang mag marketing..
kaya ko inulit ito.. nainis kasi ako sa mall... twing nag tanong ako regarding a brand... hindi ko alam bakit pinupush saakin ng agent devant.. once super interested ako sa isang samsung(yung tipong alam ko na model number and all.. gusto ko nalang tawaran)... and pinipilit talaga ako bumili ng devant everytime i ask something about the samsung ang sagot ay... about how the devant is better.. ginawa ko i left nalang and nag grocery muna then pagbalik ko... i looked for a guy nalang na naka samsung uniform.. kayalang ganun din pinupush sakin.. devant...

hitman531ph · « **Reply #23 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 10:56 AM »

16900 na lang daw Devant. 32-inch LED, Full HD. Cash nga lang.

barrister · « **Reply #24 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 11:07 AM »

Quote from: hitman531ph on Apr 02, 2013 at 10:41 AM

2013. The NTC once again endorses the use of ISDB-T.

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/52680/ntc-endorses-adoption-of-japanese-digital-tv-standard

And they're still waiting for what the DOST will say:

MANILA - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has endorsed to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) the adoption of the Japanese standard for the Philippines' migration to digital terrestrial TV.

NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba told reporters that the agency recommended Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard to DOST because it is cheaper than Europe's Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial 2 (DVB-T2).

"We are just awaiting instructions from DOST," he said.

AC · « **Reply #25 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 11:17 AM »

sana magkasundo nalang buong mundo.. hehe same standard..
pati sa sasakyan.. lahat isang side nalang (pero sana masunod LHD para di na tayo magpalit.. hahaha)

Clondalkin · « **Reply #26 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 11:53 AM »

Kung serious ang authorities about the end of analog broadcast sa 2016, they should start reminding people about that ng paulit-ulit sa TVs and especially sa TV corners ng CE stores.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #27 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 12:11 PM »

Malamang, last-minute na naman yan. I believe the networks will only start announcing this on 2015.

And for the vast and overwhelming majority of Filipino audiences who do not or refuse to understand the upgrade, there will be an uproar over this.

tigkal · « **Reply #28 on:** Apr 02, 2013 at 02:52 PM »

Quote from: AC on Apr 02, 2013 at 10:52 AM

hehe...mafafaceout ba ang analog antenna tv pag lumabas ang digital?
parang hindi pwede saatin sa pilipinas... ang dami pa kasing CRT saatin... we are electronics/tv enthusiasts kaya andito tayo.. pero ang dami pang tao hindi pa nagpapalit to flat panel... edi lahat sila hindi na magagamit tv nila? baka bigla tayo makakita ng bagong partylist "analog tv partylist" hehe

hindi ako marunong sa mga technical stuff sa digial antenna.. pero... ang daming beses na pala nagpapalit ng standard ntc.. parang hindi yata ok bumili ng ganito kaaga futureproofing.. hehe

anyways.. masyado mahal ang devant para sa kung ano siya...

imho its ok to buy branded tvs.. kasi maganda quality.. samsung sony lg toshiba

ok din bumili ng oem like myview ovation dahil value for money

o.t.
pero devant is priced like branded pero di branded.. magaling lang mag marketing..
kaya ko inulit ito.. nainis kasi ako sa mall... twing nag tanong ako regarding a brand... hindi ko alam bakit pinupush saakin ng agent devant.. once super interested ako sa isang samsung(yung tipong alam ko na model number and all.. gusto ko nalang tawaran)... and pinipilit talaga ako bumili ng devant everytime i ask something about the samsung ang sagot ay... about how the devant is better.. ginawa ko i left nalang and nag grocery muna then pagbalik ko... i looked for a guy nalang na naka samsung uniform.. kayalang ganun din pinupush sakin.. devant...

Pag ganun malaki ang commission pag naka benta ng devant. Kaya push nila. Yun ang style ni jobs para ma push yung sales ng apple computers dati. May commission bawat benta. kaya kahit samsung ang uniform, devant pa din ang push.

hitman531ph · « **Reply #29 on:** Apr 03, 2013 at 01:23 PM »

I did further readings on this.

Under the ISDB-T, a TV station has several bands to work with.

For example, ABS-CBN. On an analog TV (no cable or satellite), there's just channel 2. But on ISDB-T there are channels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and so on. Currently and when all analog channels are off, ISDB-T can offer both HD and SD, plus an emergency typhoon and earthquake warning channel.

By 2020 or 2025, the NTC will require an upgrade of the ISDB-T signals to accommodate Ultra HD (4K) and eventually 8K. I have no idea what other name 8K has at this point. Perhaps by that time, HD will become passe or obsolete.