MDTV Review

After the digital transition occured in Feb. 2009, almost all analog mobile TV sets became little more than electronic paper weights. How many? An approximate 8 million according to Consumer Electronics Association (2006 estimate), and not one converter box manufacture has produced a workable solution. One digital-to-anlog converter box maker, Winegard, has produced a dtv box which can be optionally powered by 6 D batteries, and run for an estimated 18 hours…but how do you connect it to a mobile TV with no inputs?

Our review focuses on the 4 most popular (for 2010) handheld TV sets w/ built-in digital tuners on the market.

Reminder: The handhelds featured in this review are built with an ATSC tuner, not capable of receiving broadcast signals while in motion. (More info)

Price: $79.54 @ Amazon

Positive:
7-inch portable LCD TV with ATSC/NTSC tuner, that WILL work after the 6/12/2009 Digital Transition
Selectable screen aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:3
Audio/video jack and coaxial output; detachable antenna
rechargeable Li-polymer battery

Negative:
Some reviews have reported a battery life of approximtely 2 to 2 1/2 hours

The bottom line:
The HLT71 includes an AC power adapter, a car adapter, and the digital tuner seems to rate well with reception of DTV signals. At the current price point, the Haier HLT71 has been the current top seller at Amazon for mobile DTVs.

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Summary

There is a distinct difference between the two types of tuners that handheld and mobile television sets are built with. This is in reference to mobile devices that receive free, over-the-air television signals.

MDTV

Mobile or handheld television sets labled with an “MDTV” logo (as pictured to the right) are capable of receiving digital broadcast signals while travelling at speeds of 100+ Miles Per Hour. (See: What is MDTV for more info)

Handheld TVs w/ an ATSC Tuner

Handheld TV sets with a built-in (digital) ATSC tuner are capable of receiving digital television signals, but are unable to receive digital signals while travelling at a speed greater than 5 Miles Per Hour.