Digital TV Converter Box

[Basquo]

I went ahead and bought mine, but was not planning to set it up until February; however, I needed to get the box and bag out of the way so I went ahead and did so today...

...AND IT IS FABULOUS!  Santi said the picture would be better, but I was thinking it would only be as good as the signal the antennae was getting. Boy was I wrong!  The picture is crystal clear on every channel, and some of the local channels have an alternative channel as well!  I'm now looking forward to February 17, when all broadcast channels are required to go digital.  Hopefully, I'll get MTV Trés as clear as the rest of these!

Another good thing is that I can set it to 'letterbox,' meaning I can see the whole picture that folks with newfangled TVs see.

Digital Broadcasting: it's a good thing!

[Robert]

now dangnabbit....

I'm not having such luck.  My connection is terrible.  I get this message that says my reception is not strong enough.  It's really disappointing.  I have regular antennae reception now and get 5 channels with good, clear reception.  I even bought a top-of-the-line antennae from Radio Shack which improves my reception but when I turn on the box,  I get nothing but interference. 

Any suggestions?

robt

[Basquo]

I guess if you're getting that message, I probably will get the same one when MTV Trés go digital...

I used the A-V hookups instead of the coaxial cable, and had to change the input from normal to "Input 1."  Maybe that will help? I'm just amazed at how clear all the channels are compared to the snowy/ghost-like/blurred color I was getting before. I got an expensive antennae too, thinking it would help the MTV signal, but it's broadcast from just north of downtown--and there's a ton of tall buildings between me and that point.

Are your local channels broadcasting in digital yet? If not, the converter is going to just make the reception weaker.

[David_CA]

Digital TV can have a better picture.  It is a bit pickier about it's signal, though.  A weak analog signal will have some snow (visual static) or other problems but is often still watchable.  A weak digital signal will get 'blocky' (known as digital artifacts) at best or have no picture at all.  In other words, digital is 'all or none' while analog is completely variable between all or none. 

Robert, it sounds like it's time for satellite if you're not in a location with cable!     Here, Time Warner has the basic plan for cable that is around $8-9 and 12 channels.  It might be a good option for those who don't want the higher priced cabe packages but can't get a good picture with an antenna.  Personally, I like satellite best.  It has a great picture and is cheaper than cable.

[pozattitude]

I got rid of cable...I really don't watch TV and the cheapest plan i could get was like $30.00 a month...so I bought me a nice HD ready antena and voila...Digital TV is fabulous, HD channels and all...and the best part..FREE...\


damn I am cheap...lol

[dixieman]

I thought everyone was already on cable and or direct tv... I did not know so many people still used an antena for their tv... I guess I was wrong?

[David_CA]

I got rid of cable...I really don't watch TV and the cheapest plan i could get was like $30.00 a month...so I bought me a nice HD ready antena and voila...Digital TV is fabulous, HD channels and all...and the best part..FREE...\


damn I am cheap...lol

My understanding is that the cable companies have to offer local channels for a 'nominal' fee.  Who knows what 'nominal' in in CA, though!  Here they won't tell you about it unless you ask about 'that cheap package that's less than $10'.  Then they'll say something like 'oh, that one'. There's not much money to be made from <$10 cable accounts. 

[J.R.E.]

let me see if I can understand this.  I've seen the converter boxes in the stores, for about 45.00. I know one can get a government coupon, that will take a big chunk off that price. I always understood , that the converter box is only used for those with over the air reception.


My question. I already have cable ( basic extended), with no cable box. The cable goes right into the TV/VCR.  Will I need a converter box when the digital signal becomes effective next year, or will it come through the cable as digital. I am confus-uled..


Thanks---Ray

[ozzie]

the converter box is only for over-the-air

The switch from analog to digital is for over-the-air signal that's why some people will need the box unless they have/buy a TV with a digital tuner.

[J.R.E.]

the converter box is only for over-the-air

Thankyou Ozzie !!


Ray

[ozzie]

Thankyou Ozzie !!


Ray

you are welcome!