Help me for External TV tuner in Japan

Now I'm in Japan and I don't really understand much about the TV system in Japan. Since my place is quite small, it's better for me to use the external TV tuner box with my notebook PC. However, I can't decide which one is proper for me. I don't understand much about HDTV system, but I really want only the widescreen format for TV viewing whether it is HDTV or not. I realized that somebody here are quite familiar with capturing TV program in Japan. But for me, I don't really want to capture anything, just watching is fine. So, can anyone recommend me about the External USB TV tuner that I can watch TV program in widescreen system? (I do not really want the one-seg type as well) And also, where to buy it in Tokyo.

Thanks in advance.

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:32 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Hey, were u able to find an external TV tuner? I am going to be in the same position as you and am confused about the TV specs and tuners specs for japan. Anyone else have anymore info they can share? I am mostly interestered in Off THE AIR HD broadcasts. The free broadcasts is what i want to see (cant really afford to buy a new tv, etc)

Also if needed i will switch to windows, but i would like to find one for OS x. (I used EyeTv in america, was wondering if that is possible for Japan).

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:51 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0

Ok, did some looking for you guys. Unlike analog broadcast, NTSC, Japan and US have two different standards for HD broadcast. Japan use ISDB. Actually ISDB-T for over-the-air terrestrial broadcast.

The only thing I found in English was this. From reading the Wikipedia entries, you might have better luck finding a set top box that support ISDB-T. Or try to find ISDB-T tuner locally there.