TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is an essential requirement for a digital TV tuner card to work correctly?

1. Availability of cable television service

2. Connection to the internet

3. Support for ATSC standards

4. Ownership of a satellite dish

The correct answer is: Support for ATSC standards

A digital TV tuner card is a device that allows a computer to receive broadcast television signals, converting them into a format that can be viewed on the computer screen. For this card to function properly, it must support acceptable standards for the TV signals being received. In the United States, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standards define how digital television is broadcasted, including the compression and data rates for video and audio. If the tuner card does not support the ATSC standards, it will not be able to decode the digital broadcasts that are made available through over-the-air signals. This is crucial for ensuring that viewers can watch high-definition television and utilize all the features presented by digital broadcasting. While having cable television service or a satellite dish may enhance TV viewing options, they are not mandatory for the tuner card's core function of receiving digital television signals. Similarly, an internet connection is not required for basic operation of the digital tuner card. Hence, support for ATSC standards is an essential requirement for a digital TV tuner card to work correctly.