Digital TV converters

[Lee Schierer]

Has anyone purchsed the digital converters for their older TV's yet? Are there currently broadcasts for the new boxes to convert if you had a box? Any particular brands of boxes to get or avoid getting?

[Lance Norris]

Are there currently broadcasts for the new boxes to convert if you had a box?

Lee... the High Definition signals your local broadcasters are sending out are digital. They can be picked up by antenna and watched on a newer digital tuner equipped set. But, there are still the identical, matching analog signals being broadcast as well, so there isnt any advantage other than the improved picture quality. There are channels like HD NET that are not broadcast in analog, so I guess the correct answer is Yes, there are signals to convert, and Yes, content that cant be seen without a converter for an older TV. Keep in mind though, if you are going to be picking your signal from an antenna, you probably wont be able to get anything other than the major networks from your closest large city.

[Doug Jones from Oregon]

Lee, I was also facing the converter box route if I wanted to continue watching TV next year, no cable or dish for me! I applied for the rebate coupon and was told that because my address is a commercial address ( I live in a RV beside my shop), I'm ineligible.

So, being's that I like new toys and such....I bought a new LCD TV last week, one that will be lighter (easier) for me to stow when I want to move the RV.

What I did not expect was the much improved reception and the additional programing (public broadcast stations) I'm now getting. Also, channels that were hard to watch are now crystal clear with no antenna moving.

You do need to be aware though, like the change over to digital cell phones, it is all or nothing. If the signal is not strong enough, you get nothing.

Doug

[Von Bickley]

Lee,

My son-in-law recently purchased 2 converters from Wal-Mart and hooked them up to his antenna.

He's picking up over twice as many channels than before and the reception is SUPER SHARP.......

I went on line and requested 2 coupons so I can get a couple of converters.

[Jim Becker]

Yes, there is digital broadcast now in most major metropolitan areas. Note that if you use the converter, you'll loose reception of non-digital channels unless you switch back and forth between the converter and the original antenna setup.

[Wes Bischel]

Lee,
Here's what I've come up with so far:
For broadcasts in your area including stations, strength of signal, and direction:
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Welcome.aspx

For the government coupons and eligible converter boxes (if interested):
https://www.dtv2009.gov/

For a comparison of converter boxes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
http://www.birds-eye.net/article_archive/dtv_converter_box_review_and_where_to_buy.htm

If you have a station in the area that is not converting to digital, look for converter boxes with "analog pass-thru".

Hope this helps,
Wes