Hi,

Finally picking up my long awaited Panasonic TX32LXD700 LCD tomorrow, and looking at the spec it has a built in Integrated digital tuner. Is this the same as having a digi box, and if so do any new free view channels automatically get updated ? or do you have to do a scan ? do I need to have my ariel in for this ?

Thanks

Yes, it's the same as having a digi box and you will need your ariel in. The channels don't automatically get updated, you'll see a message appear on screen asking you to re-scan. It's just a simple process of pressing 'OK' then the tv will update its self.

Almost all new TVs contain an integrated digital tuner (seeing as analogue TV is being switched off in the next few years). Yes, it means you will be able to watch Freeview channels without needing an STB. You normally do a scan for any new/amended Freeview channels the same way you would with an STB - the instructions will tell you how to do it. Of course you need a TV aerial for this - again, the same way you would with an STB. It's not going to pick the channels up without a TV aerial.

Thanks for the quick respone guy's. That's cleared that up.

Many Thanks

The TV should scan automatically after you have done the initial setup. Give you a message - new DVB service found etc.

There is an option in my TV menu about it, have a look through yours, probably hidden away somewhere.

Not true - there are still an awful lot of analogue only sets being sold out of all the shops and over the web. You need to check carefully when buying, particularly with some of the 'deals' where the set is an unbranded unit because you usually won't have a manufacturers website to check against. Be particularly wary about this if buying off the net or an unknown outlet.

it doesnt really matter as freeview being replaced soon, better buying a £20 box

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What do you mean freeview being replaced soon ?

It's *highly* unlikely that changes will be allowed to the key channels anytime soon that would render equipment currently sold being rendered obsolete.

There are proposed changes for MHEG4 (?) which Sky want to use to provide a subscription service on terrestrial replacing their existing 'freeview' channels. Also there is talk about how HD can be provided over Freeview, but this will probably be achieved using freed up space from switching off analogue.

It would be better if you actually explained yourself rather than just scaremongering to people who may not be as well informed as those of us who actually take an interest in these things.

well if you took an interest you would know what I am talking about

how are we going to have enough space ?

It will be like DAB radio where there is limited bandwith ,,,,,,,,,,,,, mono stations just now as not enough space for stereo

and then the bandwith HD channels will take up

DVB-2T will be coming and there is a debate if current boxes will be able to be upgraded

to answer the OP question it would be benifical if the telly had an inbuilt tuner, but not essential ................................................. and chances are if its say 28" and above it will have a tuner in it .......................................... its just if there is a choice of two identical tellys I wouldnt spend more than £30 to £40 to get one that may or may not be outdated in around 2010/2011

I think it's amazing that there's still a lot of LCDs (some big) out there without a digital tuner built-in.

A year ago, I had a 14" CRT TV with 3 year-old Ferguson Freeview box and I thought to myself, "I've had enough of having to connect/disconnect my box every time something goes wrong and had enough of the box falling off the TV/getting in the way".

I bought a 26" Samsung LCD with integrated Freeview tuner and can pick up all the channels really well.