CNET Archive

Find more recent TV/HDTV Tuners & Receiver products

Zenith HD SAT520 - Satellite TV receiver (07/31/2003)

Zenith HD SAT520 - Satellite TV receiver

Entered CNET Catalog: 07/31/2003

SKU: 0044642008529

Manufacturer: Zenith Electronics Corporation

Manufacturer description

All HDTV receivers are not the same. That's because there isn't a single "format" for HDTV. There are actually 18 different digital broadcast formats that are collectively referred to as Digital TV (DTV.) Six of these formats are called High Definition TV (HDTV), and 12 of them are called Standard Definition (Digital) TV (SDTV.) The formats differ in terms of their picture quality, but it's generally agreed that the best picture quality is at either of the two highest levels, either 1080i or 720p. For added explanations, give a quick click on the "more" link. Zenith HDTV receivers are also "All Format Up Converters." They convert all DTV signals, regardless of the format in which they are broadcast, to the 1080i display format. This is a good thing and raises the signal ante. If a signal comes into the set at 1080i, that's what is displayed on the screen. But if a signal comes in at one of the other levels - like 480i, an SDTV format, or even HDTV at720p - the picture on the Zenith HDTV is still displayed at 1080i. That's because Zenith's HDTV Entertainment Machines grab the incoming signal, no matter what its format, and boost it up to the highest level. One of the benefits of Zenith's all-format up-conversion is that you, the viewer, don't have to worry about what DTV format is being broadcast, or whether or not your DTV receiver (television set) can receive it. Your Zenith HDTV Entertainment Machine will handle any and all of the 18 possibilities. Furthermore, it will always display the digital picture in HDTV - even if it was only broadcast in SDTV. Unlike some sets, Zenith's products don't just display the picture in its "native format." And they never, ever throw away any picture information (i.e., picture quality) by "down-converting" a higher format signal (like HDTV) to a lower one (like SDTV.) Other sets may, but Zenith's ones do not. Ever. PRODUCT FEATURES: DIRECTV High Definition Receiver/Advanced HDTV Tuner; Allows Over the Air HDTV Reception; Fully Integrated Multi-Channel HDTV Receiver; All Format ATSC Receiver for Terrestrial/Cable VSB; Various Display Options; Native Pass-thru Modes; Enhanced Up-Converter and 4 Line Y/C Digital Comb Filter; 5.1 Channel Dolby Digital Sound; DVI-Digital Visual Interface + HDCP; Front Fluorescent Display; Fast Program Search; DirecTV HDTV Receiver; NTSC Tuner On Board; Seamless/Fast APG; Antenna/Dish Tuning Indicator.

About CNET Archive

Welcome to the CNET Archive, a library of product reviews, user opinions, videos, specifications, and manufacturer descriptions for products no longer offered by the manufacturer or most retailers. Here you will find information on replacement parts and replacement ink cartridges. Read what others had to say about that used laptop you are considering buying. Take a trip down memory lane as you browse and reminisce about your favorite old video game or that first digital camera.

Zenith HD SAT520 - Satellite TV receiver specifications

  • General
  • Product Type Satellite TV receiver
  • Width 16.9 in
  • Depth 12.8 in
  • Height 2.7 in
  • Weight 8.8 lbs
  • Localization English
  • TV System
  • Satellite TV Type DIRECTV
  • Channel Coverage VHF:2-13 , Cable:1-125 , UHF:14-69
  • Reception System ATSC , NTSC
  • Stereo Reception System MTS
  • Sound Output Mode Stereo
  • Dolby Digital Sound Capability Yes
  • Secondary Audio Program (SAP) Yes
  • Program Guide Features Program Guide , Favorite Stations Guide
  • Features V-chip
  • Remote Control
  • Remote Control Universal remote control
  • Antenna
  • Type None
  • Connections
  • Connector Type 1.0 x Composite video/audio output ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) - Rear , 1.0 x RF output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 1.0 x SPDIF output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 1.0 x DVI-HDCP ( 9 pin D-Sub ) - Rear , 1.0 x Satellite antenna ( F connector ) - Rear , 1.0 x Serial ( F connector ) - Rear , 1.0 x Component video output ( F connector ) - Rear , 1.0 x Antenna ( F connector ) - Rear , 2.0 x RF input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 1.0 x VGA output ( RJ-11 ) - Rear , 1.0 x S-Video output - Rear , 1.0 x Phone line - Rear
  • Slots
  • Expansion Slot(s) 1.0 Access Card
  • Miscellaneous
  • Cables Included 1.0 x Phone cable , 1.0 x A/V cable kit , 1.0 x Antenna cable , 1.0 x S-Video cable
  • Power
  • Power Device Power supply - Internal
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Labor - 1 year , Limited warranty - Parts - 90 days