Crutchfield - North America's electronics authority since 1974

1.888.955.6000
 
 
Free Shipping on Everything.  60-Day Money-Back Guarantee  |  Lifetime Tech Support
 

Samsung SIR-T165

Over-the-air HDTV/NTSC tuner

Zoom Samsung SIR-T165
Front
Video loading and will display in just a moment.
Photos
Samsung SIR-T165 Samsung SIR-T165 Samsung SIR-T165 Samsung SIR-T165
 
Videos
 

Item# 305SIRT165 offer details

 
DISCONTINUED
 
This item is no longer available to purchase.
 
Contact us for other options
 
Call   Email  
 
 
 
 

By buying this product you'll earn up to 400 Rewards points.

When you sign up for a Crutchfield account, you’ll be enrolled in Crutchfield Rewards. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on gear from us. You can turn your points into Rewards Cards that you can use toward future purchases. You can sign up for an account now, or after you complete your purchase (you’ll get credit for the points either way).

 
Samsung

Our take on the Samsung SIR-T165

If you rely on over-the-air broadcasts for your TV viewing, you need to know about Samsung's flexible SIR-T165 tuner. It does an outstanding job of receiving both digital and analog (NTSC) over-the-air signals — it's the ideal companion for your HDTV-ready TV. Over 98% of U.S. households already have access to at least one digital TV signal, and there are HDTV programs on every night of the week!

Each new generation of HDTV tuners has been better than previous models at pulling in and locking onto digital TV signals. That's definitely the case for Samsung's 3rd-generation SIR-T165. This high-sensitivity design locks onto stations quickly and precisely. An on-board scan-rate converter and user-selectable output ensures compatibility with most HDTV-ready TVs. Composite and S-video jacks are provided for use with conventional (analog) TVs.

A versatile set of back-panel connections includes a DVI digital video output to connect to the growing number of TVs with DVI input. The SIR-T165 also features two IEEE 1394 jacks with A/V control for recording to compatible D-VHS recorders like JVC's amazing HM-DH5U.

The SIR-T165 has more great features than any other HDTV tuner we've seen. It even includes a built-in scaler that lets you upconvert the signals of video gear connected to the SIR-T165's two A/V inputs. So, for example, you could connect an interlaced DVD player and have the scaler upconvert the signal to 720p or 1080i! This is especially useful for plasma and other progressive-display panels because the upconverted signal is closer to the panel's native resolution.

Note: This tuner receives over-the-air digital and analog TV signals only. It cannot receive satellite TV programs. Be sure to use with an HD-compatible antenna (see "Accessories" above).

To find out if HDTV signals are available in your area, visit this helpful site and punch in your zip code.

Details:

  • receives and decodes all over-the-air HDTV/SDTV formats, plus over-the air analog (NTSC) signals and most unscrambled analog cable channels
  • rear-panel switch for selecting output (1080i/720p/480p/480i)
  • built-in scaler (upconverts 480i signals to 720p or 1080i)
  • Electronic Program Guide (program information availability depends upon the program source)
  • 1 set of A/V outputs (composite, S-video, and 1080i/720p/480p component video)
  • DVI digital video output with HDCP copy protection
  • 2 IEEE 1394 (i.LINK) HDTV jacks with AV control for D-VHS recorders
  • RGB output — D-sub 15-pin connector (1080i/720p/480p)
  • 2 sets of A/V inputs (2 composite, 2 S-video, and 1 480i/480p component video)
  • 2 RF inputs (Antenna, Cable)
  • optical and coaxial digital outputs for Dolby® Digital/PCM audio
  • multibrand remote (TV/DVD/VCR/cable)
  • 14-15/16"W x 3-3/8"H x 13-5/8"D
  • warranty: 1 year parts & labor
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Digital TV Set-Top Box
  • Wireless Remote (MD59-00339D)
  • 2 "AA" batteries
  • 8.25' Stereo audio patch cable
  • 8' Component Video cable
  • Owner's Instructions
  • Warranty sheet
  • North American Warranty Statement
  • Product Registration card

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
Remote Control
Inputs and Outputs Notes

Features

Product Overview: The SIR-T165 Digital TV Set-Top Box can receive Digital Television (DTV) over-the-air broadcasts and deliver them to a compatible HDTV-ready TV or DTV-capable computer monitor. If your TV is not HDTV-ready, the receiver can also convert a DTV signal to a standard NTSC (analog) signal and send it through the composite, S-Video, or component video outputs. An antenna (not included) is required to receive these broadcasts. The SIR-T165 will also receive analog TV broadcasts, either from an antenna or cable TV, through the RF inputs. In addition, you can connect and switch between up to three external sources (DVD, AV1 and AV2). The SIR-T165 has advanced digital connectors such as a DVI output and FireWire input and output.

DTV Formats: This unit tunes and decodes all 18 approved ATSC digital television formats (SDTV and HDTV) for breathtaking picture quality when used with HDTV-ready TVs. Standard-Definition Television (SDTV) program formats include 480-line interlaced (480i) and 480-line progressive (480p) video. 480i programs are essentially a digital version of our current analog TV programs, while the 480p format offers improved image detail over 480i. Some 480p programs are broadcast in widescreen and are comparable to progressive scan DVD movies in image quality. High-Definition Television (HDTV) program formats include 1080-line interlaced (1080i) and 720-line progressive (720p) video. Both HDTV formats are broadcast in widescreen, and offer much higher picture quality than SDTV. A 4-way switch on the rear panel allows you to choose the type of signal to be output through the Component Video jacks.

Dolby Digital: The SIR-T165 can receive DTV broadcasts encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. These Dolby Digital signals are output through the Optical Digital and Coaxial Digital outputs, and require connection to a Dolby Digital receiver or external decoder in order to enjoy 5.1-channel surround sound. In the setup menu, you can choose either PCM or a Dolby Digital bitstream for the Digital Outputs.

On-Screen Menu: Using the remote or front panel controls, you can easily maneuver through the On-Screen Menu System. The menu system has three different levels--a main menu and two sub-menus. Through the menu system, you can access the program guide, display preferences, channel selection, initial setup, and FireWire devices control.

FireWire Connections: FireWire (also known as IEEE-1394 or i-Link) is a digital serial interface that allows devices equipped with a FireWire connector to exchange digital video signals, digital audio signals, and device control signals bi-directionally over a single cable. Through the SIR-T165's FireWire connections, you can connect a D-VHS device (a "digital" VCR) and program the device to perform automatic timer recordings or manually control the device through the menu system.

Channel Selection: Once the DTV receiver has been connected to an antenna and a TV/monitor, it can scan and memorize the available DTV channels. You can then add channels not memorized, delete unwanted channels or designate certain channels as Favorite Channels.

Fine Tuning: Through the on-screen menu system, you can manually adjust the TV's tuner if you have difficulty tuning analog channels.

Signal Strength Meter: Unlike analog channels, which can vary in reception quality from "snowy" to clear, digital channels have either perfect reception quality or you will not receive them at all. So, unlike analog channels, you cannot fine tune a digital channel. The Channel menu allows you to check the strength of an incoming signal so you can physically adjust the antenna for optimum signal.

Screen Formats: To properly display the video for any type of TV or monitor, you can select the screen format that works best. If you are using a TV with a 4:3 aspect ratio and receive a 16:9 (widescreen) program, you can choose to view it in Letterbox (black bars on top and bottom), Full, or Zoom. If you are using a TV with a 16:9 aspect ratio and receive a program in 4:3, you can choose to view it in Pillar Box (black bars on sides), Full or Zoom. The zoom view will fill the screen by cropping portions of the picture.

Multi-track Languages: Digital TV is capable of simultaneous transmission of many audio tracks, including simultaneous translations of the program into foreign languages. You can choose the multi-track language you desire with the MTS button on the remote. When receiving an analog signal, you can choose mono, stereo, or SAP in the multi-track options menu.

Digital/Analog Captions: If you plan to use on-screen captions, there are several display options. With Digital TV, you can choose the type of service, the size, font, foreground color and background color. With analog TV or external video sources, you can turn on/off the captions and choose the display mode.

Dynamic Range Compression (DRC): When you switch channels, the volume may vary depending on the channel. The Dynamic Range Compression function can adjust the volume difference automatically.

Parental Locks: To restrict access to channels or programs, you can use Parental Locks protected by a 4-digit password. This receiver allows you to independently lock the receiver using the ratings systems of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for movies, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for TV programs. The MPAA Rating System includes G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, and X ratings choices. The FCC (TV) system includes age-based ratings (TV-G, TV-Y7, TV-Y, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA) and content-based categories (Violence, Sexual Content, Offensive Language, Dialogue--Sexual Innuendo, and Fantasy/Cartoon Violence).

Electronic Program Guide (EPG): The receiver has an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to help you navigate through all the possible viewing options. The EPG supplies information, such as program lists and start/end times of all available channels. In addition, detailed information about the program is often available in the EPG (program information availability depends upon the program source).

Remote Control

MD59-00339D Wireless (IR) Multibrand Remote: The supplied remote can fully control the SIR-T165 DTV receiver, as well as basic functions of multiple brands of TVs, VCRs, Cable Boxes, and DVD players and recorders. The Component Selection buttons (STB, TV, VCR, CATV, DVD) illuminate in red with each button operation to indicate which component you are controlling.

FireWire Remote Control: Through the SIR-T165's menu system, you can manually control a FireWire-connected D-VHS recorder. You can also program the D-VHS device to perform timer recordings.

Inputs and Outputs Notes

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) Output: The SIR-T165 has a 25-pin DVI-D jack for connecting a compatible TV or monitor. This set-top box supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technology, which provides secure data transmission for high definition video. Only DVI-HDCP supported devices can be connected. A DVI cable is not supplied.

FireWire In/Out: These two jacks are for connecting FireWire-capable external devices, such as D-VHS recorders or camcorders. Since FireWire is bi-directional, both of these jacks can input and output digital audio, video, and control signals. FireWire (also called IEEE-1394 or i-Link) cables are not included.

DTV (RGB format) Output: The 15-pin connector allows you to connect to a TV, computer monitor, or another video component with an RGB input. In the set-up menu, you can select the output resolution (1080i, 720p or 480p).

DTV (Component) Output: Three RCA video outputs (labeled Y, Pb, Pr) plus left and right RCA audio outputs allow you to connect to a TV or monitor with component video input. As with the DTV (RGB format) Output, you can select from 1080i, 720p or 480p output resolution.

Component Video Inputs: This input is for connecting a DVD player or another video device with component video outputs. You can select this input from the remote. Note: The input can accept 480p or 480i resolution only.

AV Inputs/Monitor Output: The SIR-T165 provides you with two audio/video inputs and a monitor output featuring stereo audio and composite or S-Video jacks. These inputs allow you to connect other components such as a satellite receiver or VCR and access them through the set-top box. The monitor output lets you connect the set-top box to conventional TVs that may have composite or S-Video inputs but no component video inputs.

Dolby Digital Outputs: This unit provides an optical and a coaxial digital output for sending digital audio signals to a Dolby Digital receiver or TV with digital input. In the menu system, you can select to output a Dolby Digital bitstream or PCM signal, as appropriate to your connected component.

DTV Output Selector: The DTV Output Selector lets you choose the type of signal, according to the DTV output jacks you are using. The 2-way switch on the rear panel lets you choose "Y Pb Pr" if you are using the component video output, or "RGB, DVI" if you are using either of those outputs.

Resolution Select Switch: If you are connecting the unit to a TV or monitor using the component video outputs or the RGB output, you can select the output resolution. A 4-way switch on the rear panel lets you choose between 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i.

Antenna Inputs: The SIR-T165 features two 75-ohm RF coaxial inputs. One input is an antenna input for connecting an external indoor/outdoor over-the-air antenna. The other is for a cable TV signal, with or without the use of a separate cable box.

RS-232C: This input is used for service and upgrades only.

 

Product Reviews

 

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences about this product. Please be sure to focus your comments on the product itself. Read our Review Guidelines for more information.

Review title
* Email
Your email won't be visible. Please use the email address that is associated with your order.
Display name
(e.g., JohnD) Your review will be signed using the display name and location
* Your location
(e.g., Charlottesville, VA)
* Your rating
Click on a star to rate the overall product on a scale of 1-5
1500 characters left * Your review
Attach a YouTube Review
Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines
  • Only submit videos that you made or are authorized to use.
  • Do not submit videos that contain music, video or visuals that are copyrighted and belong to someone else.
  • Please see our Review Guidelines for more information.
Submit the URL of your YouTube™ video review or product demonstration. e.g., http://www.youtube.com/v/o79TWHh598U
500 characters left Pros
500 characters left Cons
* Agree to Terms
By checking this box you agree your review becomes the property of Crutchfield, that you are over 18 years of age, that you own or have owned this product, and that you are located within the United States or its territories. Please see our Review Guidelines for more information. We reserve the right (but are not obligated to) review all submissions and edit or remove any review in any manner which we deem necessary. Your review should be posted within seven days.

Learn more about HDTV Tuners

Learn more about HDTV Tuners

Video: What You Need to Get HDTV

Video: What You Need to Get HDTV

Steve Kindig
10/10/2007
based on 77 ratings (5 comments)
 

In this easy-to-follow video, we'll explain how to get a high-definition picture on your HDTV - from getting the right gear, to making the right connections.

 
What You Need to Watch HD

What You Need to Watch HD

Steve Kindig
3/10/2010
based on 214 ratings (13 comments)
 

To watch high-def video, you need both an HD signal and an HDTV. This article will walk you through your options so you can get the full HD experience.

 
Choosing and Installing an Antenna for HDTV

Choosing and Installing an Antenna for HDTV

Steve Kindig
9/28/2009
based on 1252 ratings (54 comments)
 

Over-the-air broadcasts provide some of the best-looking HDTV signals, and they're free. Take a look at what goes into choosing and installing a HDTV antenna.

 
Get the Best Picture on Your HDTV

Get the Best Picture on Your HDTV

Steve Kindig
8/24/2010
based on 371 ratings (10 comments)
 

Most people now own at least one HDTV, and there are lots of sources of high-def video. So how come so many folks put up with sub-par picture quality? This article offers tips on how to get the...

 
Connecting Your HDTV

Connecting Your HDTV

Steve Kindig
11/30/2011
based on 492 ratings (71 comments)
 

Get the best picture quality you can by making the right video connections to your HDTV. In this article, we'll cover the key points you need to know.

 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend

Component Video Cable
Get the cleanest picture you can from your new gear If your TV has component video inputs, use them. Quality cables help give you a quality picture.
Monster Cable 700CV
Component video cable (1 meter/3.3 ft.)
$69.95
Low Stock
 
 
Monster Cable 700CV
Component video cable (2 meters/6.6 ft.)
$89.95
In Stock
 
 
Coax Digital Cable
Go with digital audio Connect your HDTV tuner to your home theater receiver using the coax digital output.
Monster Interlink® Datalink™ 100
Coaxial digital audio cable (2-meter/6.6 ft.)
$49.95
In Stock
 
 
Optical Digital Cable
Go with digital audio Connect your HDTV tuner to your home theater receiver using the optical digital output.
Monster Cable 400dfo
Optical digital audio cable (2 meters/6.6 ft.)

Also available in:
Open Box: $39.99
$49.95
In Stock
 
 
 
Add selected to cart
 

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Samsung SIR-T165, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_305SIRT165/Samsung-SIR-T165.html ).

Sorry, the Samsung SIR-T165 is no longer available for purchase.

Samsung SIR-T165