When you get to the high-definition video connection, what you need depends on what type of connection is on the TV. Most displays will have either a three-wire component (Y, Pr, Pb) or a computer-type RGB connection. Either is fine, so long as it matches with the display. A digital link like FireWire (IEEE-1394), DVI or HDMI between the tuner and display would be a step up in quality. FireWire transfers the compressed digital video signal from the tuner to the display or to a recording device like a D-VHS recorder. The display decompresses the signal.

This connection is most common on newer stand-alone terrestrial tuners, but it should soon proliferate, thanks to a recent government ruling on compatibility standards.

DVI and HDMI, on the other hand, are connections that transmit the signal after it’s been decompressed. Both are compatible with each other, which means an HDMI-equipped TV can be connected to a DVI-equipped tuner box. When both the tuner and TV incorporate HDMI, however, the signal can also carry digital audio and control signals to the TV. DVI carries just the video signal and requires a separate audio connection. If you route your audio signals through a separate surround processor, HDMI may not be all that necessary.
The best but unfortunately least- abundant feature to find in a digital tuner is a DVR (digital video recorder), which incorporates a high-capacity computer hard drive for storing audio and video information. The advantages of a DVR are plentiful (see Digital TV Editor Mike Wood’s review of the ReplayTV DVR in this issue). The type of DVR is determined by the on-screen programming guide, which allows you to select programs for recording, tailor the displayed schedule according to your favorite shows, and search the program guide for types of content, actors or titles. Most important is the size of the hard drive. The bigger the drive, the more programming time it can store at higher quality before it fills up.