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Five things to consider when selecting an HD Set Top Box
The UK’s households have fast warmed to the idea of high definition televisions, with adoption growing rapidly across the nation. Not all are making the most of their shiny new TV sets, though. HDTVs will only show high definition output if hooked up to an HD source, such as a Blu-ray player or an HD set top box. So if deciding to opt for the latter, what information should you consider before making a purchase? Read on for a checklist of five essential factors to take into account.
1. What channels does it offer?
Not all HD set top boxes are born equal. While many will offer similar channels to a certain extent, they’ll also have exclusive offerings that may well sway your decision depending on what’s important to you. Be sure to research exactly what you’ll have access to with each of the possible options that you’re considering.
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2. Are there any extra costs involved?
Not only will you need to buy the box itself, but with many examples you’ll also be needing to pay a subscription charge on top in order to access high definition content. Make sure you know all the costs involved and factor them in when making your decision.
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3. Does it have recording capabilities?
Many HD set top boxes will also allow you to record content to a hard drive ready to view at a later date. This capability will obviously often bump the price up so take that into account. If you do opt for a box with a recording capabilities, investigate how big the hard drive is – the bigger it is, the more TV shows and films you’ll be able to store on there.
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4. What does it look like?
HD set top boxes come in a range of shapes and sizes, so if getting the overall aesthetic of your living room right is a priority to you, be sure to check out all your options. Box dimensions are easily available, so also make sure the box you’re looking at will fit into your current TV unit.
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5. What connections does it have?
If you’re hooking up to an HDTV then you’ll likely be looking to use an HDMI cable to connect your HD set top box to your TV. If you’re planning to get the box now and the HDTV later, however, and you’ll be using it with an older television in the meantime, you’ll want to check that the box you buy has connections that are compatible with your TV.
