I’ve noticed large-screen televisions being advertised with a built-in standard or high definition digital tuner. What are the advantages of this?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to having an in-built digital tuner. Separate tuners generally offer greater flexibility for connection to other equipment and the ability to upgrade at a later date. In fact, many televisions with integrated tuners CANNOT even be connected to a VCR to record TV programs!

However, the advantages of have a built in tuner is:

* There is one less “black box” in your lounge room and therefore one less remote control.

The disadvantages are:

* If anything should go wrong with the tuner, the whole TV needs to be serviced rather than just the set-top box.

* From time to time software upgrades may become available for digital tuners. If the tuner is built into your television, it is not as easy as taking a set-top box back to your AV specialist for updating.