analog conversion

[mkfarnam]

Originally Posted by hypocore

He wouldn't as it's already built in to his TV. Only those with old analog TV's will need one.

How do you tell the difference? static?

[maggiekate]

I have, free tv-no cable etc. Walmart did have the cheapest to convert box, and
yes, it was easy to set up. I got one box from them, them radio shack the box they have did cost more, and they are fast running out of them. cheap walmart
and radio shack may cost 10.00 more but does work great. Oh c.c. had a great zenith digital for 349.00 I did get one. why free tv. I do hope I am ready now! for what the tv I watch why not stick with free. I did give my old tv to the salvation army it works great, if you have paid tv or the box!

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by mkfarnam

How do you tell the difference? static?

If he's getting HD channels already then he must have a digital tuner.

[tamiznluv]

Originally Posted by hypocore

He wouldn't as it's already built in to his TV. Only those with old analog TV's will need one.

Thank you, hypocore. That will set his mind to rest.

[d4g4m]

If you are going to get your TV signals over the air with an antenna to receive a digital signal, you may have to re-aim at a new transmission tower. Go to antennaweb.org Type in your address and it will give you the type of antenna you need, all the stations in your area, how far they are and the compass heading.
Unlike analog signals that get 'noisey' the further away from the tower, digital signals are 'on' or 'off'. The antenna has to be right on target.
If you are using cable, have a hdtv that also has a QAM tuner, you will probably be able to receive unscrambled local channels in HD

[TCMlover]

Last week I went to Target and purchased 2 RCA converter boxes. With my 2 gov't coupons they were only $20 each. I tried Walmart but they were always sold out plus after doing some research I wanted a better model. Make sure you get 1 with analog pass thru. It only took me a few minutes to set them up. Now I get 23 crisp clear digital channels FREE I decided to get rid of cable because out of the 75 channels there were only 4 to 5 I watched on a regular basis-most I never even watched once. I will miss Turner Classic Movies but with my extra $50 a month I might join Netflix or buy the movies from TCM. I will never pay for TV again.

[Sunnydee]

Originally Posted by TCMlover

Last week I went to Target and purchased 2 RCA converter boxes. With my 2 gov't coupons they were only $20 each. I tried Walmart but they were always sold out plus after doing some research I wanted a better model. Make sure you get 1 with analog pass thru. It only took me a few minutes to set them up. Now I get 23 crisp clear digital channels FREE I decided to get rid of cable because out of the 75 channels there were only 4 to 5 I watched on a regular basis-most I never even watched once. I will miss Turner Classic Movies but with my extra $50 a month I might join Netflix or buy the movies from TCM. I will never pay for TV again.

What is analog pass thru and how do I tell a good converter from a better converter?

I literally know nothing about this whole conversion. I don't have cable, dish, HD, or anything. I just watch whatever comes through the antenna for free which is generally about ten channels. Thanks!

[TCMlover]

You can go to DTV2009.org and it will explain everything and you can get 2 gov't coupons worth $40 each. Basically starting 2/17/09 all high power TV stations will broadcast in digital only. If you don't have a newer TV with a digital turner you will need a converter box unless you are hooked up to cable or satelite. Low power TV stations will still broadcast in analog so thats why you need a converter box with analog pass thru, it will convert the analog to digital. You can go to numerous sites and read comparison reviews on the different converter boxes, such as Consumer Reports.
IMHO RCA, Zenith, and Digital Stream are good choices. The setup is easy, you just plug your antenna into the converter box and the box to your TV. Stores like Target, Walmart, Radio Shack, and Best Buy take the coupon so it only costs you 10 to 20 bucks per box. I hope this helps you out Sunnydee.

[Eeyore1]

I'm loving the new converter box. Does anyone know if the networks plan to add different lineups to the different tiers? Many of the additional tiers here just replicate what is on the main network, or show reruns of the evening news broadcast. I would assume that, to be competitive with cable, these networks might try to spice it up a bit. Is this a fair assumption?