Is there an affordable hdtv reciever. All the ones I've found is also a directv reciever. I don't want any satellite, just hdtv.

The leasst expensive one I've seen is from RCA... $600; quite often it is cheaper when bundled with their dish. Probably the same one you've seen... . Check it out on their website.

Even if you don't use the Satellite portion of the Receiver most of the HD Set Top Boxes are made for Satellite.

Right now you have a couple of Choices
-RCA DTC100 which goes for around $500 [A Direct TV Receiver]
-Toshiba DST3000 which goes for around $700 [A Direct TV Receiver]
-Dish 6000 Receiver (not sure on price) [A Dish Network Receiver]
-There are more choice but those are the ones of the top of my head.

Be advised that the RCA receiver only has a VGA output so you will need to buy an VGA to Component Converter for around $130. You will only need this if you HD Monitor doesn't have a VGA input.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
~Andrew~

There's a very complimentary review of Samsung's
new SIR-T150 terrestrial-only DTV set-top receiver
in HDTV Magazine. See the link below for details.
FYI, MSRP is $699.

[Link: 216.168.63.180]

Its pretty tough to beat the RCA on price, I have seen them for $450 here in Michigan if you look around, then just don't use the Directv section of the thing.

You can score the SIR-T150 for 600 flat which in the end beats the RCA if you need a vga to component swap. It supposedly is more sensitive too. So even if the price is a bit more, I would go for performance. I did. J&R has some in too.

The RCA is the way to go (other than the VGA converter).
I have one, and have the Toshiba DST3000. The RCA got a switch between Ant and Dish and the Ant can go up to the 80-1 local HDTV loop in LosAngeles. The Toshiba (like the Mitsu) is mixing the Ant and the Dish and doesn't go higher than 60 in the UHF. So I can't get the best HD here from it.
The Toshiba cost much more, and get real hot. The RCA is too big and got a fan in it that keep it cool. Last, the toshiba using IR so my pronto working better with it to compare with the RCA that use some RF too.
B.L. I think it cost me to much to upgrade to the Toshiba. - Go with the RCA

Hi Chris,

Most of the STBs have satellite capability with the exception of the Samsung which is strictly over the air.

Interesting marketing ploy by Samsung forgoing the satl capability considering they are competing in the ota/satl receivers price point.

Subscription to satellite service is not mandatory although some dealers force you to get it as a condition for purchase. Just be patient and persistent in finding a source that does not require you to sign up for satl.

Dish 6000 presently requires that you have it connected to a dish pointed to the satellite for the OTA module to work. A fix is underway to remove this requirement.

Go to avsforums.com to read up on owner reviews on the STBs now available. Lots of owner feedback there to help you learn what is a good match for your needs.

Thanks,
Errol

Keohi HDTV
[Link: keohi.com]
Your Friendly HDTV Tips Site

A little more on the RCA. The DTC100 can be used directly on the RCA and Pioneer TVs (thru the VGA). The Pioneers seem to be the best TVs out there.

Quick note since Chris asks about pricing.

Most of the satl capable STBs cost between $500-$1000. If you have a component only set, realize that you'd need a transcoder ($129) to do active conversion from RGBHV (VGA) to component.

If you choose any of the new STBs with component outs, then it would be a simpler interface to the TV since you won't need the transcoder.

Something to consider during in your selection process.

Thanks,
Errol