How to use a converter box & antenna to get DTV

Digital TV offers potentially better picture quality and more channels than analog over-the-air broadcasts, but getting digital signals might not be as easy as plugging a converter box between your antenna and TV. Here's why.

Most analog stations are in the VHF band, channels 2-13, while digital signals are transmitted mainly over the UHF band, 14 and higher. (However, digital stations in some areas may move to the VHF band next February, when analog channels vacate their station frequencies.) The UHF band is more directional than VHF and more sensitive to obstacles (such as trees, tall buildings, and mountains) that lie between your antenna and the broadcast tower. So getting good UHF reception can be more difficult than pulling in VHF, affecting your ability to get digital broadcasts.

The all-or-nothing nature of digital broadcasts also comes into play. With analog stations, a weak signal can still yield a watchable picture—it might be snowy or have ghosts, but you'll get a continuous picture and uninterrupted sound.

If you're getting marginal reception of digital signals, both the picture and sound might freeze or break up to the point that it's not watchable. If you're really on the fringes—either too far from a tower or with too many obstacles in the way—you'll see a black screen that says "Weak or no signal."

You don't have to wait until next year to get an idea right now as to what kind of reception you can expect after the transition. Here's what you can do right now:

• If you have an analog TV but no converter box yet, you can test UHF reception for analog channels 14 and higher, provided any are broadcast in your area. That will give you some indication of the reception you can expect with digital signals. If they're fairly clear, odds are you might be OK. But if they're snowy, you might have trouble.


• When you get a converter box, try it as soon as possible. Most areas currently have access to at least a few digital stations, so see how well you can pull in digital signals. Reception is likely to vary by channel, depending on the location and broadcast power level of a given station.


• Even if you have a digital TV that's connected to cable or satellite, you might want to try it with an antenna to see whether you could get over-the-air broadcasts in the event of an emergency that shuts down other services.

With any of these scenarios, you should first try a basic indoor set-top antenna designed to pick up both VHF and UHF. If you're close to a broadcast station and there are minimal obstacles between your antenna and the tower, you should see a clear, continuous picture that might be better than what you get with analog. (Sound quality will be about the same, though.) Basic indoor antennas start at about $10, though some cost much more.

If reception isn't great, move the antenna around the room or close to a window. Most converter boxes indicate the signal strength you're getting as you adjust the antenna position. If you can't get a strong signal from any position, try a set-top antenna that has a built-in signal amplifier. No luck? Try an antenna mounted on your roof or in your attic. The most effective type of antenna is a rooftop model equipped with a rotor, which can point the antenna in different directions to pull in broadcasts from various towers. Basic outdoor models start at about $50.

You'll find information on antennas and more at www.antennaweb.org, www.hdtvantennalabs.com, and www.antennasdirect.com.

Unfortunately, there's a chance no antenna will work for you. Recent reports indicate that some households are in fringe areas with poor reception, and for them, off-air digital TV might not be a good option.

In any case, start soon. If you encounter problems, there will be plenty of time to resolve them before next February so you're not left out in the cold.

For more helpful advice and links to other DTV resources on the Web, check out our Digital TV Transition information center on ConsumerReports.org.

—Eileen McCooey

Comments

[everett whitney]

To: Nikki -21 Aug- " Must keep adjusting set top Antenna"

Everyone will "see" better results with a major digital antenna either outside or, at the very least, within the attic, IF sufficient close to the TV Towers, etc..

The era of successful, consistent reception with only set top antennas such as our 40 -50 years with those 2 long "V" wires or rabbit ears of analog are Gone!

This will cost much more than the Converters, of course, and there's no associated "antenna coupon" available.

[Nikki]

Okay so I cant complain that much because my picture quality is much beeter and I am getting more channels, BUT and it's a big BUT, I cant stand the fact that I have to get up so darn offten and mess wtih the antenna becuase the box isn't getting a signal. I really hope that Im not doing more messing with antenna's then watching my shows that will piss me off!

[everett whitney]

TO: Rex - two of 18 Aug - " None & now some ? ..."

Your two most recent posts are somewhat mixed .. perhaps that "preview" contributed.

Old Rabbit Ears or the long "V" slender wires might still work in Chicago & NYC, where their digital transmissions ARE still over the VHF Band .. other locales will also do so, after Feb., when they leave their temporary channel assignments.

Too bad about that R.S. Special @ $70 ... take it back / they have to refund it w/ receipt within (30) days.

Most of these are quite unsatisfactory, unless the broadcasting TV towers are unusually close.

Far better to have bought a Channel Master 4228 & simply put it in the back of a closet, etc., facing those Towers .. it would have gotten more than the R.S. Special !

No amount of complaints, etc, will now change Feb - it is a "done deal!"

[Rex Ganymede]

(i had clicked the "Preview" button; but what apparently happened, instead, was the comments i had thus far writ were published.

:-).

that's not good.)

alright.

it appears i was a *bit* premature in my judgments, there; never-the-less, i'm still not getting _all_ of the standard channels; it might not matter which, so i won't mention what the AWOL ones are, at the moment.

:-).

i thought we were done with the days of Rabbit Ears; my conjecture was wrong, i see.

lord help us; i feel lucky enough that i can get what i can get, without spending more than 70-dollars (so far)..
..but i still don't like all the hoops-and-hurtles i had been compelled to negotiate (and will have to continue negotiating), with this whole antenna & converter situation.

this is also one of the few times any of you would find me saying "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it".

all this seemingly-needless hassle..
..for what?

can you answer me that much, mr. everett?

[Rex Ganymede]

just for the record, i went and bought a regular antenna, a couple of days ago:

a Radio Shack "`HDTV Ready!´ VHF/UHF/HD/FM IndoorTV Antenna (22dB amplifier with gain control)".

miraculously, my converter is still telling me that it's not picking up even a *hint* of a signal.

:-).

this is making me feel rather incompetent.

i will also be rather [angry] if i find that, by February, broadcast stations still aren't emitting waves strong enough to be picked up by my current set-up; i'm sure that Contractors & Technicians would be happy to see Roof Antennæ dotted all over the "united" states landscape but, bluntly, that isn't practical.

That ain't happening.

(so will this be one of the straws that breaks the camel's back?)

and, surely, we don't have to actually tell our government that The Working Poor isn't happy with this forced conversion — as if no agent or representative hadn't been able to detect at least some of our rumblings, these past several months.

[chima kalu]

I had sometime last year while on a trip in taiwan, R.O.C purchased a 21" lcd tv (which served also as a computer screen) and as at the time it worked well, recieving and showing all taiwan tv channels. Never the less, because of my love for this tv, I decided to take it with me to nigeria and while in nigeria it couldn't show any of the local channels(UHF,VHF am not so sure) as i reckoned the lcd tv is digital. I think you should know that i was able to watch digital satellite channels via a digital receiver box, thus i would like to know if i can find a converter good enough to enable watch local nigerian channels on the lcd tv as i will be taking another trip back to nigeria.
Thank you

[everett whitney]

To Percy - 13 Aug - "After R.S. Amplifier .. No NBC.."

www.antennaweb.org shows 11778 as essentially too far for most digital stations as well spread all over the compass directions! it's a wonder you now get what you do w/o a Rotor Unit.

Amplifiers do well But these also amplify "all", not just that digital TV signal alone.

Particularly, #28 & #35 @ 51.8 miles / 58.9 miles, 'NBC' IS out of reach- beyond the "line-of-sight" limitation. Even after Feb transition, there's no 'NBC' channel suggested as close enough.

Your 90 feet of Coax plus multiple connectors should be replaced and shortened IF possible ... 100 feet ( and, No splices) is beyond the usual or recommended.

A quality Quad Coax RG6 - uninterrupted - directly from that 75 / 300 antenna transformer to your digital tuner should greatly improve things, particularly during a storm, rain, etc..

www.solidsignal.com
or
www.antennasdirect.com are (2) sources - there are many more.

[Percy Zahl]

I have a problem I do not simply understand:

Big roof top antenna (ZIP 11778) connected via baloon/transformer to 75 Ohm Coax to a digital (ATSC only) tuner/receiver (elgato) via Firewire to my computer. Works fine with a few stations, even HD using no amplifier at the antenna. I have a about 90ft Coax cable and a few F-type connectors inbetween. I get FOX and a few other stations with about 60.,.75% signal level, working fine. I get NBC (from Hartfort I be leave) OK at times, but it is at the limit of about 50..60% signal and video gets interrupted at times, also depending on weather.

Now the issue puzzling me, I installed an antenna amplifier (RadioShak) just after the coax feed from the transformer/baloon at the antenna.
Works great, as I now get a total of 17 Stations trouble free with about 70-80% signal, including (most) of the stations I got before, like FOX, which was strong. BUT: Strangely I am not able to get NBC 30 (Ch 35) any longer, the signal is there, but worse 40..50%, not giving any image.

How can that be? Any interference with (now) stronger signal? I do not get any around CH 35. What can I do? Thx for any hints.

[everett whitney]

To: Edward - 09 Aug - "Cost of Antenna System Prohibitive"

Certainly, this "Analog / Digital" change will be too costly for some. Same as not all can afford (1) automobile let alone a second car, etc..

Not available to Vertis, but for others, there are two entirely different analog services available specifically for those on fixed budgets, still good thru early 2012.

One is a limited cable service with only the 4 or 5 major networks plus PBS ... usually about $15/monthly & provides consistently clear displays on all TVs.

The other is the normal analog cable, with a decreasing number of available channels, again until early 2012.

Broadcasting power for all OTA-SD signals will be greatly different after next Feb ... those now having troubles on digital converters will "see" these improvements by early Spring.

Some stations are returning to the lower - VHF / channels 02 thru #13 - band. This , too, will increase the range of acceptable transmission.

[Edward Virtually]

I find everett whitney's response to vertis kemp reflective of the coming disaster for the poor that the roll-out of dtv will be. to quote vertis, many many seniors "can't afford food, gas and pills now" and are not going to be able to afford (1) an external antenna or (2) the labor required to install one. I'm sure a lot of them will be injured or killed trying to do it themselves because they can't afford to hire someone. everett's reply of "[ . . . ] order / install a new outside antenna [ . . . ] a 10 foot section of 1 1/4" rigid Electrical Conduit [ . . . ] from Lowe's, H.D., etc., fastened securely plus properly grounded for lightning protection [ . . . ] buy & install a Channel Master # 4228 antenna", while technically competent, shows a lack of comprehension about what vertis wrote: "i can't afford food, gas and pills now". THEY CANNOT AFFORD IT. the Channel Master #4228 itself costs $60. to say nothing of the 10 feet of conduit or the labor required to install it. as donna so elegantly put it: "If your poor you are screwed." sadly, given the corrupted state of our government (which pre-sold the existing spectrum to the telecommunications industry years ago [and is really why we're being forced to migrate to dtv {and why they don't give a flying $&#* what it does to the poor, seniors, etc.}]), if you "call the fcc and senetors congress men all [you] get is you will have to get satellite". I think the government may run into some rather intensely angry citizens who want a better answer than, effectively, "let them eat cake". Unhappy about being ripped off in the DTV migration process? Not looking forward to spending hundreds of dollars to recover service you now get free? Not looking forward to manually readjusting your antenna every time you change the channel? Pass the word about the truth about the DTV migration. Maybe enough of "them" will unite to stop it before February. Good luck, you'll need it. Sorry, vertis. Wish I could help more than just rant in this blog.

[Jack G.]

I live in the Baltimore, MD - Washington, DC area. In my attic, connected to a Radio Shack Rota-tenna, is a 30 yo Radio Shack antenna which can receive both UHF and VHF signals. The antenna is connected via coax cable to 2 20-yo Sony TV sets -- one is on the second floor and one on the first floor -- and to a 20-yo RCA TV set in the basement. The 2 Sonys are connected into 2 20-yo VCRs.

Recently, I bought two Zenith DTT901 converters (with $40 coupons) and am VERY satisfied with them. The pictures are certainly sharper with these converters. The best reception is certainly dependent on the proper antenna orientation. I also receive more programs compared to analog reception. The operating guide provides a reference to web site, www.antennaweb.org, which will provide antenna orientation information for all TV stations in an owner’s area. Owners input the location of their residence via address or latitude/ longitude, and the site will provide lots of info, both graphically and tabular. The info can be easily copied down to a spreadsheet, edited and printed --- reference to it facilitates orienting the antenna for a specific set of channels. This is easier than "playing" with the rota-tenna and the converter’s signal bar display on the TV to obtain proper alignment of the antenna.

Another somewhat convenient function on the converter is a sleep option which is handy for taping broadcasts, but it limits the user to shutting the converter off after 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours after turning on the converter; there’s also an “OFF” setting for bypassing the sleep function. It would be most convenient if the sleep function allowed both ON and OFF settings of actual time for coordinating VCR tapings. With the present design, one needs to leave the converter on till taping begins, but the broadcast needs to end within four hours of turning on the converter in order to obtain a proper taping.

Connecting the TVs, VCRs and the converters was relatively easy. I needed to buy only “Y” jacks for the audio connections since there are no stereo inputs on the two VCRs.

[everett whitney]

P.S. - Jill --- " BAND SEPARATOR " ....

That's another very small "lump" which will provide the means to allow the VHF band { channels #13 and lower } to be 'separated' from the " UHF " - channels above #13.

These used to be available "all over" but have pretty much become obsolete / vanished ?

Printing on that casing, with .. "VHF" - "UHF" & sometimes "FM" on it, plus some screw terminals & short wiring sections protruding.

[everett whitney]

TO: Jill - 26 July - " 30 years old TV ..."

For the very inexpensive price required, it'd be well to have a ".. 300 ohm to 75 ohm transformer .." on hand, Just-in-case!

This would have been sold where you bought that antenna, etc., but also is at SuperCenters, Lowe's, Home Depot, Radio Shack (too pricey), etc.. Under $5.00.

Just keep the receipt & it may be returned / refunded w/o
any problem IF not needed.

This "blog" doesn't link ... no pictures ... imagine a small,
lump in the palm of your hand the size of a chap stick, with that round Coax coming from 1 end and a 3" long section of flat, brown, twin ribbon TV lead from the opposite !

Good luck.

[Jill]

I just purchased an Insignia converter box and and RCA UHF/VHF antenna for my VERY OLD (about 30 yrs. old) RCA TV. Currently, I'm connected to my condominium's outside antenna which is also old and not good. From what I've read here, I'm figuring I'll need the new antenna in order for the converter box to work. My question is what type of cables/adapters am I likely to need to hook these up to the TV? Both the antenna and the converter came with coaxial cables, but I have no idea if they will connect to my TV. The TV is so old and heavy I cannot move it myself to see what kinds of connections it has on the back, and I'd like to have whatever I might need on hand before I get someone to hook this up for me. (I've heard I might need a coax jumper, and the antenna box says some older TVs may need a "band separator"--whatever that is.)

Thanks for anyone's help. I've found lots of useful info here.

[everett whitney]

TO: JOEL K. -- " I use basic Cable .. do I need Converter?"

NOPE ... Never ! ... many are also 'confused' - including those selling these Converters!

ALL on local cable service are guaranteed analog until early 2012 !

Plus, IF wanted, you May now 'subscribe' @ a very nominal additional fee to have standard digital on ALL picture-tube sets ... will provide a much "clearer display" as well as more than double the # of channels.

{Satellite service has never been involve, either.}

[everett whitney]

TO: Vertis - " TV towers are 45 miles away ... nothing ???"

Be more patient ... (A) .. you do not have the correct antenna ! All Federal Coupon Converters must receive a strong digital signal.

(B) - after next Feb, all transmissions WILL be stronger !

For now, keep using that TV w/o any Federal Converter.

In the meanwhile, order / install a new outside antenna - as high as possible on the roof peak by a 10 foot section of 1 1/4" rigid Electrical Conduit from Lowe's, H.D., etc., fastened securely plus properly grounded for lightning protection.

On that , buy & install a Channel Master # 4228 antenna connected to the converter by good quality Quad Coax RG6 cabling in a single length.

ALL may be viewed or bought at many web sites - just one is .... www.solidsignal.com

All such Converters will not function properly w/o an antenna ... this complete, required antenna set up always costs far more than the converter.... well over $150, even IF one may do it by themselves!

[vertis kemp]

i live 45 miles from my closiest tv station . it's clear as day with out the box with the box nothing.theres going to be some piss off peaple come feb 17 i call the fcc and senetors congress men all i get is you will have to get satellite,i can't afford food, gas and pills now

[Thomas Pittman]

I very frustrated with the lack of support for this transition. I have two TV's and one VCR with SVHS and one VCR without SVHS connections. Their are no set top boxes with SVHS with good reviews. The one box that could be used for unmanned recording has bugs. Two very good tv's that rival DTV pictures I see. Two VCR's with total of four tuners. But no support for recording devices! In turn they get to sell the air waves for profit!

Besides this, the one box I tried could not pick up as many stations as my analog tuners do. I'm not counting all those sub channels that show the same programs in two aspect ratios. My analog stations were sharper and better picture than the Digitial box I tried.

The only good thing I can say is, the DTV stations come in better at one position of the antenna than the analog do.

Anyone care to go back to radio days?

[Jerome Sturgeleski]

I have an old non-remote tv. I hooked up the INSIGNIA converter box and I get channels 17,23,29,45 in our area. I do not get ch 2,4,5,9,11. On my newer remote tv, I get all channels. Why is that? Will non-remote tvs not work ?

[s phelps]

I live in a very rural area in Misssissippi with ALL the criteria for no reception. Zip is 38633. Distance, obstructions, lack of options all true here. In most cases, ONLY option is DirectTV since we have NO cable, no broadband and DISH cannot get a signal. To further complicate matters for those who CAN afford DirectTV (not all), we are about a mile into Union County, while the rest of 38633 is in Benton County. The FCC has designated that Union County receive Columbus and Tupelo stations as "local" channels. But this poses a danger to us as our current and emergency weather is broadcast from Memphis stations. DISH and Direct have told us we cannot have Memphis and so we are left with no emergency weather info. Through antenna, most of us here cannot even see Columbus and Tupelo or just barely. Our strong signals come from Memphis. That is also the direction from which come tornadoes. This spring, 5 touched down within 20 miles of us. Without our weather from Memphis, we are in the dark. Please help me know who to contact to allow/make DISH and Direct feed us the Memphis channels. Or better still, counsel us on how we can get a signal out here. We've tried the new TVs, the converter boxes, ATSC tuners in DVD recorders, etc. and get NO signal whatsoever. We are being cut off from the world even more than we already are. We need HELP for safety's sake. Forget entertainment. We live in a dangerous storm area and need to be connected to the broadcaster who covers our area wall to wall when danger is near.

[Rex Ganymede]

all hail everett.

:-).

basically i was saying that the proprietor of our household maintains a paid subscription with DirecTV; i choose to not have my television connected with it, at the moment — precisely on the principle that i don't want to share in the cost of something i'm not particularly interested in.

but i was wanting to have y'all focus more on the other points i had brought up: everything is hunky|dorie for you guys who won't have to spend any extra money to deal with The Inevitable Change|Over; people like me, however, are feeling rather disenfranchised.

if it truly is Absolutely Mandatory i need to acquire the antenna [with funs directly out-of-my-pocket], then i might just forsake TV altogether — ´find a hobby to take up, or somethin'.

there's probably going to be an Actors' Strike some time soon anyway: i could use that time to get myself mentally prepared for such a life|style change.

:-).

[Milt Snitzer]

Everett:

Thanks for the info. I am former editor of Popular Electronics and Electronis World and have been in electronics most of my life. Still travelling, reading and learning.

[everett whitney]

To: Milt Snitzer - '' Who am I ....?"

I was a senior mechanical mechanical engineer for my working years at a wide variety of companies, pretty much across the U.S.. Ended up during the last 23 at our now gone "Ma Bell." Had a wonderful set of learning experiences there, too.

Sight seeing & Traveling done now, I've been reading, watching & surfing at various "forums" much like these various ones @ C.R., where many others have been most gracious in sharing their knowledge & skills !

Thanks for asking!

Everett

[Milt Snitzer]

Everett:

You seem to be very knowledgeable about the topics on this forum. I wonder what your background is or where you've gotten your info.

[everett whitney]

TO: Becky Grillo - " Splitter or One Converter for each Tv"

Hello - thanks muchly - but - absolutely can't qualify !!
Only retired & enjoy trying to make things work & such.

You might use a proper Splitter from that one Converter , running one or two different sections to various TVs. All available @ Lowe's, Wal-Marts, etc..

BUT - a couple of points ....

* Signals from an antenna are much weaker than from a commercial cable company & as such, can not operate more than 2 or perhaps 3 sets before the signal becomes too "weak" to work properly. Of course, cable companies can & do operate 4-5 sets in a home very well.

* There are 'amplifiers' but these aren't necessarily all great!

* All sets so hooked up may only watch that same (one) channel of the single converter .... not always wanted.

* It would be better to have at least two (2) federal coupon converters for more flexibility.... same (1) antenna + now a coax splitter will be fine, with one piece connected to the "in" of each converter & then, a connection between the "out" of each converter to it's own nearby TV. I think this might be preferred.

Have a good one !

[Becky Grillo]

We have a roof antenna that gets about 7 channeks successfully. Can we use one converter box where the wire comes in the cellar, or will each television need its'own converter box?
p.s. - that everett guy is a genius!

[everett whitney]

A "P.S." to - SUE - "Near Boy Scouts in Tornado..."

Your "zip only" showed that you do reside in one of those regions wherein O.T.A. digital reception is going to be most difficult ! Some signals will be from Omaha, others from Sioux City & still more will be from Lincoln, all at the extreme limits in distance as well as all over the compass readings...i.e.- Not from one direction.

Within those (2) very costly antennas already tried, IF you'll please post their make / model number, one can make a comparison of what should be Vs whatever those are?

Also, you will need a Rotor set up - a powered gadget that will "aim" or turn any antenna toward the direction of whichever broadcast tower you'll want at that moment.

Lastly, very shortly after next Feb's "analog end", all digital broadcasts WILL be stronger plus at different assigned places (frequencies) specifically for your ZIP -- so, all may be improved for your TV Reception.

Please do list the info on whatever antennas attempted ?

Thank you.
Everett Whitney

[everett whitney]

TO: SUE - " Rural Area .... no signal ..."

My apologies - but - I can not 'correct' reply to your post !

It's in with "REX" of todays (07) date! Very Sorry!

eli

[everett whitney]

TO: REX - 06 July - " Antennas + Converters ..."

I obviously don't clearly understand your latest post ?

"... The household does have .. paid channels .. ?? "

IF that's the case, there's No Charge for additional TV sets within the same mechanical address / customer .... after that initial service fee, added sets are N/C, including the cabling connection and / or basic box, etc..

I do absolutely agree that too few proper explanations and / or emphasis are being provided about the mandatory need of an appropriate digital antenna with every Federal Coupon Converter !

Many commercials (public information spots) even depict the totally wrong, long wire, "V" shaped indoor set top variety which will Never function at all !

Instead of "trial & error" purchasing of multiple antennas, one may use that- www.antennaweb.org - BY inserting the ZIP & address, + {digital}, it quickly lists IF and which type of antenna will be appropriate.

No unit will satisfactorily receive digital signals 100 % if beyond the curvature of the earth limitations ... i.e. .... line-of-sight is customarily under well under 60 miles between the TV Tower & your antenna, without hills, dense trees & other obstructions.

By-all-means, a suitable battery-powered radio IS a necessity.... these are suggested in all recommendations for Severe Weather Kits, along with water, prepared foods, extra blankets, good flashlights, etc..

[sue]

July 6, 2008
I live in a rural area that isn't far from where the Boy Scouts were killed by a tornado. I have had a converter box on our main tv for two months and have purchased two new 100.00 outdoor antennas. We still get a no signal most of the time and the bad weather has stopped all signal from the converter box. We used an old tv with rabbit ears the night the storms came in. I think the coupons should be given for weather radios too because we are going to be in the dark after 2-19-09. There was Email address for executive officers on the National Broadcast web site a month ago, and now all web page address have been removed from a lot of government sights. I must be in an area that no antenna is going to work.

[Rex Ganymede]

(my household has ... something.

cable or satellite, the bottom line is, we have access to paid channels.

but i had elected not to be a part of that — and i had been fine for all these years without it.)

well, everett.. ..this is what i was getting at:

for all these months, i had been seeing and hearing commercials warning me about what will happen if, at the very least, i don't purchase one of these "digital signal converters"; during that span of time, i had heard nothing about also needing to acquire some sort of antanna in order to complete the package.

so.. ..basically, i had gotten my hopes up for nothing; i am feeling rather cheated, over here.

i was wanting to say "the government should have also issued coupons for these antannæ," but proclaiming such, by itself, would be ignoring the fact that all the money which was utilized for the Converter Coupons came from our very own taxes — even if Uncle Sam had let forth with coupons for that other component, that wouldn't be "free money" as might be erroneously perceived by some people.

on the other hand ... i'd rather our government employs our tax dollars for subsidizing these antannæ (if some of us absolutely must have them in order to continue watching our basic channels), instead of the "certain other things" on which it likes to spend the capital.

yes?

because, i really am not inclined to spend hundreds of dollars )out of pocket) for something which i had never asked: the optimal antanna, and the technician who would be less afraid than i to affix it to our roof|top, and then run the wiring through our house.

so, Uncle Sam *should* cough it up, and subsidize this, too: we can consider it that many-million dollars not available for it to blow on Pork...or unnecessary, and *insulting* Pay Raises: they get to have perpetual financial security at the tax|payers' continued expense and detriment?

[everett whitney]

Hi Manmohan - 04 July - "Flat wire lead in ..."

Sorry, forgot !

There'll also be needed (1) outside 75/300 transformer (self-powered, etc.) which converts the screw terminals of your antenna to that round RG6 coax female swivel ... also has a rubber boot to seal this junction from moisture
- also found at those very same peg board assortments where the RG6 coax is. Under $5.

Comes included w/new antennas - IF - you do buy a new one.

[everett whitney]

TO: Manmohan - 4th July - " Flat wire TV lead in to 1st.. "

No, although many places do advertise special "HD" antennas to justify wicked prices, do NOT buy! There are only VHF / UHF combos or either one separately.

Use www.antennaweb.org to input your Zip / address to find out which type / "gain" or strength you need ....your current model may be entirely appropriate.

BUT - You must change over from that flat or 'ribbon' lead to a proper, round quad coax cable & associated splitter! Far too much loss in signal.

R.S. is too costly! Return that 'amplified antenna' for refund.

Go to Lowe's, H.D., Wal-Mart's or on the web.

One web store of very many is www.solidsignal.com - locate a prepared length to suit your needs .... these do exist in 25', 50', 75', etc., with swivel or female terminals already applied to quad RG6 coax cable, NOT the old "59." Very inexpensive.

Also get the companion screw terminal splitter. Usually, two total TVs is a practical limitation for (1) outside antenna - more TVs mean various antenna amplifiers, etc.. - messy / bothersome.

[Manmohan]

I have one out door Antenna (8'long)in the attice of a 2 story home. The antenna is connected to a spliter box in the attice. One 70-300ohms (flat) antenna wire from the spliter box goes to TV in the 2nd floor and the other from the spliter box goes to the TV in the first floor. Both TVs are connected through seperate convertor boxes. I am getting excelent reception with almost all HDTV chanels on the 2nd floor but very weak reception and only couple of chanels ( UHS)on the first floor.The VHS signals without the convertor box are on the border line. Any suggestions to improve the signal for the first floor. Are there special TV antennas for the HDTV signal. Is the length of the antenna wire a problem. Any suggestion on outdoor antenna which is small in size and can be mounted outside like a dish. I tried Radio shack antenna which is a small box connected to the 110v outlet and this is supposed to convert the whole house wiring in to an antenna. Did not work.
Need help.

Thanks

[everett whitney]

P.S. to REX - 03 July - " 2000 vintage TV ....."

How do you NOW get TV reception?

Sounds like you have / use cable?

Then, you do NOT need converter - all cable companies will continue analog thru start of 2012. Some private & very small cable companies will never stop analog (until they go bankrupt.)

You need to do nothing. Return that converter.

[everett whitney]

TO: Rex - 03 July - " Must my 2000 Tv Also Have an Antenna?"

Yes, certainly - all Federal Coupon Converters work by seeking digital O.T.A. signals!

Also, even the very latest HDTV - w/o any Converter needed - must have an antenna for O.T.A. signals, too.

Depending upon your locale, either a "combo" antenna - one which picks up both VHF { 02-13 } & UHV {above 13} channels will be needed. In many cities, only a straight UHF antenna will suffice, IF transmissions from your TV stations won't change again next Feb. Some will.

Usually mounted at least within one's attic if sufficiently tall, all antennas function better IF mounted outside, as high as practical upon the roof & then connected to the Box via a quality "Quad Coax" cabling. This is because the roofing construction + actual outside material usually eliminates 40 % - 50 % of the signal. Metal roofing prohibits any attic location.

Some have great success with an indoor type of antenna - however, these are quite limited in "gain" or range plus these may well loose the signals during foul weather.

Some models of UHF only include the Channel Master #4228, which will also receive down to channel # 10; a DB-2, DB-4 & DB-8, each are successively stronger and Only for UHF -13 and up.

A proper "combo" unit is the Channel Master # 3016 - usually so large that it must be mounted outside in order to be rotated during "fine tuning.'

All may be purchased @ many web stores - one example is -
www.solidsignal.com

To start, one must know which antenna IS better for his exact location at -

www.antennaweb.org

input the ZIP or address to see what color code (strength) antenna is suggested. everettwhitney@sbcglobal.net

[Rex Ganymede]

so what you're saying is, if i got a regular television (purchased around 2000) and a converter that's telling me "no signal", i will also have to buy some sort of Antannæ?

really?

[everett whitney]

To: Marcie - 01 July -" Mom's TV will not tune to 3 or 4 ?"

Do you mean that her mechanical tuner is worn out / no longer works on those two channels?

Considering how old that HAS to be, the brightness, contrast and other attributes must be bad also.

NO, there are no special federal Coupon Converters.

Seriously consider giving up - return that Converter for whatever amount you paid above the Coupon & look at the available, cheap, digital tuner, fixed display, standard
digital resolution ONLY { there are SD and HD sets }
new TVs ... still being sold.

Do try Costco's IF you have that - they permit a longer trial / return interval.

[Marcie]

My mothers old tv will not tune to channel 3 or 4. Is there any brand converter box that would work on her tv? (no, it does not have a coaxial cable connection either, but I did buy a converter for that.) I just paid a tv store to come out and look at installing a Channel Master converter box, and that one could not be put on.
Thank you.

[everett whitney]

TO: Sherry - " 13 but where do I connect Cable?"

You only need to go to any Lowe's, H.D., Wal-Mart's, Radio Shack, etc., to find & buy a new, short Coax Jumper which DOES have Female, swivel ends to connect to that terminal you have.

Very cheap ... under $4.

[Sherry]

Can Someone Help
I have a 13 inch small panas..tv in one room
I got an insignia converter box however,on the back of the
tv there is only 1 place a coax cable looks like it should
go but the recepter is a male connector...the coax cable is
also male...I don't understand what to do ... Coax cable
has a male connector on both sides where do you plug it
in on the tv..I don't have an outside ant.. The tv gets
excellant color now..but I can't figure out how to plug the
converter In does it go directly into the set in the back?

Really confused..

[everett whitney]

TO: Debbie again -" Kitchen Converter needs antenna?"

I was not clear - all cable companies WILL install their cables within walls & out-of-sight ... it is an extra charge service - but - never "impossible."

Any satisfactory antenna + the Converter box will only provide the 4-5 major networks + PBS --- not the 60-70 various analog channels.

Indoor antennas may perform differently between clear weather & storms.

One more web site offering free shipping until the 29th is

www.antennasdirect.com

They also have that Picture Frame + other indoor antennas, allow for "returns", etc..

[everett whitney]

To Debbie -23 June - "DO I need the HD Amplified Antenna ..?"

That doesn't provide enough description to "look it up."

Yes, every single Converter Box Must have an antenna of some sort.

No, there's no situation that makes running your local cable connection to that kitchen TV - NOT free & perhaps, even a $100 fee by that cable company! But, it WILL continue to provide you w/ perfect analog pictures on that old TV set until the beginning of 2012. Plus, no extra monthly fee for the additional set.

BUT, you will spend that much quite possibly in buying / hooking up various antennas .... indoor varieties are Most problematic in reliable digital reception. And, NO, there's no such thing technically as a "HD" special antenna - there are only UHF ( channel #14 and up) & VHF - under that channel 14 or most Rabbit Ears, with the long "V" wires.

ONLY a small chance - this one can be returned but you will need to pay for that return insured shipping - is called a "Picture Frame" antenna. Includes a length of cable & needs to be moved to different walls to see if one would be better - here - $39.99 -

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=AD-PF7

[Debbie]

I purchased the Artec T3A converter box & tried to hook up this weekend. I got the no signal. I do have cable but not in my kitchen where the TV for the box is - too difficult to run to. I was told I needed the HD amplifier antenna. Before I hooked up the box I did get a few channels (not great - but I did get them). After the hookup - nothing. Is this antenna worth trying?

[everett whitney]

To: Pat - 18 June - " Have Roof Antenna now BUT ...."

Sorry to be so late - these "comments" are much more hidden than those @ the "FORUMS."

You haven't DONE anything improper - but - YES - all Federal Coupon Converters must have a UHF signal in order to function --- ability to pick up channels at # 14 and above.

Except for a very few markets - i.e.- Chicago + NYC, etc., - the vast majority of digital O.T.A. is currently broadcast in the UHF band only - so, one may buy / use an antenna strictly designed for that. One such would be a Channel Master # 4228, about the strongest (gain) available.

Others are DB-2, DB-4, DB-8 all being for increasing distances from those TV towers.

All "may" possibly work within the attic if not very far away.

All will also need to use a good quality coax cable, quad RG6 preferred. Very inexpensive-under $25 for a 50' already-prepared length.

http://www.solidsignal.com

is only one web site of very many.

[Pat]

We get great reception with an antenna on the roof. Does this antenna have to also be a UHF to beable to get the digital channels with the converter box? We have installed the converter box on two different tvs, and keep getting "no signal" message everytime we scanned for channels? What are we doing wrong?

[TBL]

To EWhitney 6/5/08 --
You respond to my inability to receive digital signals in my fringe area by writing, "Do be aware that most local cable companies will have two basic analog programs available now.." followed with detail about those cable offerings.

I meant what I said in my initial comment from 6/4. I'm only in my apartment for a few waking hours each day and I will not be paying a monthly bill to a cable/satellite corporation next February when my free TV goes black. I think that if the proponents of this DTV transition bill had been honest about the fact that the range of broadcast signals would dramatically decrease, it would not have passed (as it was, it only passed the Senate by 51-50 on 12/21/05, with Dick Cheney being vote #51). If one senator had called it the "Death of Free TV" bill, we casual TV viewers would not be losing our fuzzy but acceptable analog service early next year.

[ML Walker]

To: Everett Whitney 6 June 2008

Thanks. The digital converters were for two existing analog TVs.

It's encouraging to know that there might be improved signal strength after the switchover. I understand that the broadcasts from the towers are high-powered - they're trying to cover a large geographical area from a single point. Seems to me that small towers, spaced to provide complete coverage, wouldn't require a huge net increase in power needed. Maybe I just don't understand the minutiae of the physics involved, but TV signals are just radio waves - so couldn't transmitters be co-located on cellular towers?

[donna]

I realy think our goverment is forceing people to choose which cable or dish netwert to watch T.V. this should be free to the poor americans out there but it no longer is.If your poor you are screwed.

[everett whitney]

To: M.L. Walker -06 June - " Converters & All or Nothing reception " ....

You did not need Converters with that new digital TV.

No, there is currently no other means of getting signals other than OTA w/ antennas , satellite or local cable - nor is there going to be. Digital bandwidth is too costly.

You are experiencing the "differences" associated with our massive switching from analog to digital.

One is the 100% perfect displays or zero & blank screen whenever the digital signal is too weak for the TV's tuner to "lock on."

Another is the not-widely published fact that dependable UHF band reception (channel 14 & above) for the vast majority of digital signals is much more difficult to achieve than analog.

Our existing digital stations are not now sending out full power, because they are still required to do both analog as well as digital simultaneously -- electrical power is costly for them, so, after the one is "killed" next Feb, there will be stronger digital transmissions.

No antenna inside ( set top or attic, etc.) will be as effective as one mounted outside, as high as possible on the roof. The construction materials of timbers, wooden decking, asphalt roofing all immediately bring about losses of 40%-50% --- heavier construction types or sheet metal totally eliminate proper reception.

You may not recall the '60s, prior to the onset of cable services - but - if one looked out of an airplane while landing, our entire view was one of a "jungle" of metal antennas! To obtain proper O.T.A.-HD dependably, that is exactly where we're heading yet again.

Your digital reception @ (4) miles distance - even with hills & trees - will be improved after next Feb & relocating the antenna outside. However, the repetitive maintenance of the antenna & limited programing of only the 4-5 major networks + PBS will soon become quite tedious in comparison to our accustomed appetite for CNN, ESPN, HD Movies, & all the various programing offered on the
150 + odd channels of cable or satellite.

[ML Walker]

We just bought two digital TV converter boxes and a small digital HD TV and are completely frustrated by the "all or nothing" signal we're getting. We're near downtown Portland, OR, and all of the TV broadcast towers are clustered in the same area, about 4 miles away; but the Portland metro area is quite hilly and forested. At times, TV is totally unwatchable because of weak signals; at best, the signal is randomly intermittent or produces a scrambled picture. This is true of the television that is connected to an attic antenna and those connected to amplified "rabbit ears." The best reception is on the public television channel (bless them).

My question is: can digital television be delivered the way cellular telephone or wi-fi service is delivered, via smaller towers/repeaters scattered around to provide complete coverage? Would the power requirements of a cellular television system prohibitive?

I can't believe that this wasn't better thought out, and have no confidence that this significant bug will be worked out in time for the transition to entirely digital television broadcasts. It is unacceptable that subscribing to cable television is the only solution to this problem. People living in areas of marginal television reception or in areas without cable service are going to be absolutely out of luck unless they have the means to sink a bundle into a satellite system, and even that may not be an option in heavily wooded areas.

This switchover will be a boon to cable companies (in my more angry and paranoid moments, I've considered that this might be a conspiracy designed to empty our wallets into theirs), and free television will be a thing of the past.

[everett whitney]

TO: Heather - 01 June -" .. get usual channels only if I disconnect the Converter ..!"

You are still able to get all the normal channels when that connection goes straight to the TV (w/o Converter) because analog broadcasting still is "going" until next Feb..

That antenna unit is either the incorrect type { VHF channels 02 - 13 only } or not sufficiently strong to "pick up" the digital signals - UHF channels 14 & higher .

You need a new UHF band antenna .. www.solidsignal.com
is only (1) of very many places which has info, etc., about different ones for O.T.A. - UHF antenna.

Some are DB-2, DB-4, Channel Master #4228, etc..

[everett whitney]

TO: Sharon Wilson - 02 June - " SILVER (inside) digital Antenna for Converter ?"

This Comment section doesn't have live or blue "links" - so, just copy this verbatim & it will show you what one looks like / where it may be purchased.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ZHDTV1

Do know that indoor digital antennas may Not do as well as did your previous "rabbit ears" or other analog set-top unit.

UHF digital reception is more problematic ! You would be better off ( IF possible ) with a different unit in the attic instead - some are the DB-2 or DB-4 and the Channel Master # 4228. All may be seen at that same web store
above.

[everett whitney]

To Joel Kershner - 03 June .." Will basic cable still need a Converter ? ..."

Of course, this'll just be another "conflicting opinion!" - but - go to any of those www.dtv.org , etc., government-sponsored web sites or the many listed here as well for tie breakers !

NO - local basic analog cable is guaranteed to be available until the start of 2012 --- even longer IF your company happens to be one of those 2,900 low power or private analog cable ones, which will struggle onwards until they do "go bankrupt."

Channels may be somewhat lacking - now 02 thru usually channel 75, but some are gradually leaving for the other signal only.

By that date, you may find that you DO want to buy a new HDTV, to enjoy all the new colors, sound, added channels!

[everett whitney]

To -TBL - 04 JUNE --"... Too little TV to have Cable ..."

Do be aware that Most local cable companies will have two basic analog programs available now --- one specifically for Seniors, with only the 4-5 major networks + PBS and another, with the more traditional / customary channels 02 thru 75 or so.

These DO work on any TV without an extra box of any kind as well.

Analog service is guaranteed thru the start of 2012 --- my Mom's is $15/monthly for her Senior Service.

Even the other analog cable is not very costly --- under $40 in most cities.... no installation charges, too.

[TBL]

You write: "Unfortunately, there's a chance no antenna will work for you. Recent reports indicate that some households are in fringe areas with poor reception, and for them, off-air digital TV might not be a good option."
I fall into this position of getting "No Signal" for every New York station with my new converter box and my existing indoor antenna (I can get all of their analog signals -- usually with sigificant snow, and sometimes only in b/w).
I cannot add an outdoor antenna to my apartment building and I don't watch enough TV to justify a cable bill. It's interesting that this wasn't advertised in Congress as the "Death of Free TV" bill, but that's what it will be for many of us who are only casual watchers.

[Grungebob]

First of all, sorry but there is no such thing as a 'digital antenna'. You receive an ANALOG UHF radio wave signal that carries digitally encoded TV information. In theory the right piece of wire, with an optimum orientation, and connected properly to your converter box, might work just fine if you are near a strong enough signal. The UHF Band of 'radio' frequencies (Ultra High Frequency, channels 13 - 83), is just above the VHF Band, channels 2- 12 (which is just above your FM Radio Band). Chances are you have an old UHF antenna around your house and don't even realize it - the round loop of wire about 10" in diameter, or the famous 'bowtie' shape about the same size. Signals are not that strong for us 35 miles NW of Denver, but my little bowtie 'analog' antenna works just fine when pointed in the right direction. I wouldn't pay more than $10 for any UHF antenna - salvage something, maybe at a Garage Sale.

For FAQs, go to www.dtv2009.gov Remember, if you have Cable TV now, you don't need to buy a converter!

Additional Note: we have a portable 7" screen DVD player that won't spin DVDs anymore - not worth fixing. However the display still works, and when its Aux input is hooked up to the DTV converter box output (with correct 3-wire cable), you can watch DTV on this little player!

[Joel Kershner]

I subscribe to Basic cable,which does not require a cable box. I have gotten conflicting advice about whether I need to buy a converter box. I have been told that having cable is sufficient even without a box of any kind, but I have also been told I need a 2-way converter box. I have been able to identify only 1 brand(Insignia) of 2-way box, which was not well reviewed.

[Sharon Wilson]

Installed 2 RCA converter boxes, get one channel, actually 3 related to the one. Another channel cuts out really bad, would rather have a snowy picture, at least could watch. PBS channels ok, other two channels won't come in at all.
Have re scanned and re adjusted atanea to the point Hubbie not Happy....
In the instructions it says if cannot recieve channels, after all the above will need a "Smart Antanea" problem is No One, knows what this is.
Help. tell us what it is! Is it going to be something exceptionally high priced when all is said and done, or will most of us only have one channel?

[PatD]

Hooked up my 2 Insignia converter boxes (Best Buy's brand)and COULD NOT be happier! OMG the picture is just so much better than it ever came in before! Living in Queens, NY between 2 airports always gave distortion on one channel or another. NOT NOW!!!

I am reading that so many of you are having serious issues and I'm sorry for you. The closer they get to full conversion, the better it will be... hang in there folks.

[DTV Help]

Great article on DTV and antenna's! Thanks for the info, I've linked to this particular article on my website.

[Heather]

Please help! I just installed the converter box on my tv (its about 7years old) I have always used rabbit ears and gotten basic PBS,NBC,CBS type stations. Now,after installing my box, the same show THAT I KNOW IS ON!! will not come in. I keep getting NO SIGNAL,yet if I just unplug the antenna from the box and stick it right back on the tv, voila!,theres my show. Whats happening??? I appreciate anyones time even if its just for me to vent,thanks.

[Cynthia Bullock]

I bought my DTV converter box and had gone through the wizard set up menu. At the end of the setup wizard it says "no signal". I live in an apt bldg , Does anybody have any advice? I called the DTV manufacturer and she said that the area I live in might not have any digital conversions yet. Can this be the case? If so how can I find out if my city is or when it will do the digital conversion? I realize it doesn't go into effect until 2/19/09, so in the meantime I'm just holding onto the box? It seems like everyone else has been successful in the installation and getting clearer and/or addt'l channels than what they had before!! what do should i do??

[mriebman]

I just tried to install a converter box and could not even get to "set-up" because the screen says "no signal." I have tried it with four different table-top antennas, all of which bring in UHF and VHF very well. I'm located between San Francisco and San Jose and get strong signals; I moved the antennas around a six-foot circle plus up and down around that circle, with its center being the best position pre-dtv. What else could be wrong?

[Martha Morton]

I have a supposedly high definition antenna and a newish Toshiba DVD and a new Insignia small LCD HDTV with VCR's attached to both. I would like to be able to record more than 1 show at a time. I can't find any info on how to attach DTV converter boxes to each VCR. Do I need one for the HDTV? Do I need a fancier DVD player/recorder?

Martha mjmorton2@verizon.net

[shauna]

We had to use our rabbit ears to get a signal, but that works great, we got a clear picture and picked up lots of new channels, fox, CW, etc. all came in great and we didn't get them before, we've never paid for cable, so this is a real treat!

[Milton Snitzer]

To Mitch:

See my post of Mar. 28.

[mitch diamond]

I live in a rural area near Washington DC. Using a rooftop antenna, we get about a dozen analog channels well and about four more poorly. There are at least a dozen stations broadcasting in digital in this area now that we know of. I connected up a Zenith converter box today and got nothing. No matter what I did I only got "no signal". I know the antenna is producing signal and I know I did the connections right. I also tried an amplified indoor antenna and the same thing happened. Is there anything more I can try or am I doomed?

[everett whitney]

TO: " Harold F. - analog for Fox on indoor antenna .."

That HDTV can not "see" any digital OTA - standard or HD - with your analog antenna.

IF you happen to have a outside wall or window or closet that "faces" in the same general direction as those TV Broadcasting Towers, there's a slim chance that a new specific, digital antenna will aid the new HDTV. Of course, there must not be any obstructions between that window, etc., & TV Towers -- other tall buildings.....

There is a Channel Master# 4228 that you could "stand" in front of that window glass -- it is sufficiently strong to possible receive all your OTA-HD even indoors.

It is about 29" X 32" -- may be "seen" at -
www.solidsignal.com

All broadcasts Will be stronger shortly after all analog is stopped next FEB..

Does your complex not have a "common antenna system" wired throughout or was that the cable? pls do post again. eliwhitney1938@hotmail.com

[everett whitney]

To: " Nick - RV w/ analog - 04 April "-
At least - Two 'options' ...

Get an inverter with sufficient power output rating to handle both your existing CRT + Federal Converter.... but that's (3) bulky items !

Obtain a new Digital ATSC Tuner LCD TV - much smaller in bulk, less power required plus no Federal Converter / Inverter at all. Probably not a great deal of difference in monies between the two projects.

P.S. - In any case, you'll need a new , digital antenna, too -Perhaps a DB-4 will suffice, with the lack of storage space? Otherwise a C.M. # 4228 - see dimensions @ www.solidsignal.com

[Harold Farmer]

I have a HDTV and a small analog TV and rely on the same indoor antenna for both sets. I use my analog TV to watch Fox broadcasting on a VHF channel (2), with a signal that is weak by the time it reaches my area. Reception is often poor, but tolerable. I cannot get ANY digital signal from Fox when I try on my HDTV. I am concerned that when analog broadcasting ceases, I will be worse off than now--unable to watch Fox because its digital signal will probably be no stronger than its current analog signal. Is there anything I can do to continue watching this station--an outdoor antenna is not an option, as I live in an apartment building, and I don't want to subscribe to a cable service?

[don]

i am do away with my tv until they figure this out. it look to me the people are going to get screw again by cable/sat company. you will have to have new of every thing by end 2012 and the picture is go to be poor. thank god for the internet p.s can you say huge bills dtv$$$$$$$$ invest in company that make tv and digital converter boxs

[Nick]

My wife and I travel with a small 12" analog TV that we plug into a power port in our van. Are there converters that will work with direct current? What are our options?

Nick

[everett whitney]

To "M. Tilbury - 03 April - Marginal Antenna Reception.."

Sadly, the current "power" used on UHF channels for OTA Digital broadcasting IS much less than our old analog. So, many may have less success unless they DO acquire a specific antenna and have it outside, atop the highest part of one's roof as well !

There is listed at "FORUMS - Post # 8054.1" several appropriate antennas for current digital reception.

Do know that whenever "analog" is shut off next Feb, there will be more broadcasting power plus a few stations may return to the higher channels of VHF - that's the reasoning for listing those "Combo VHF/UHF" antenna --- will avoid the expense of "doing this again ! More, pls do ask.

[M Tilbury]

Will Consumer Reports review set top and roof top antennas for digital tv?

Our analog reception is just satisfactory (not excellent) and we're concerned that digital reception might be inadequate unless we had a really good antenna.

[Milt Snitzer]

To Elaine:

It appears that the master antenna in your apartment is vhf only so that it will not pick up the digital stations, most of whom are now on uhf. Some of these will go back to vhf sometime before the Feb. 09 date. You might want to buy a powered uhf indoor antenna at RadioShack for around $25.
Also, I gave you the wrong URL for digital stations. It should be www.nab.org. A link on this website will show you digital stations that are now on the air. There are lots of them in the NYC area.

[everett whitney]

To " Carol -29 Mar - Must I have a UHF antenna?...."

Yes, definitely - the Federal Convertors are ALL digital devices only & the Vast majority of digital channels are above channel #13.

One very good UHB band antenna is the Channel Master # # 4228, available many places - one being - $77, with shipping - may operate from the attic but best outside -
www.solidsignal.com

[everett whitney]

To "Elaine - 30 Mar - Still Nothing after Wizzard .."

Your apartment complex manager may have to be consulted - IF their main antenna is Not a "combination" or might be "VHF only", you can not use a Federal Convertor.
These will strictly "see" / pickup digital only!

And, yes, there is now digital broadcasts in your geographical region.

[Elaine]

To: Milt Snitzer

Thanks for your reply. I did the installation wizard twice which included scanning the stations. At then end of the wizard it said complete and then "no signal". I live in Westchester County, NY. It sounds like you live in NY as well? I went to the www.nab.com website as you suggested, but it brought me to anther site which didn't seem to relate to what I was looking for. Do you have any other tips or suggestions?

[carol]

help! purchased two dtv boxes, set up according to instructions, unable to bring in two local high power tv stations also picture and sound break up on that stations that i do get, will this clear up in february 09, or do i have to get a uhf antenna?

[Milt Snitzer]

To Elaine:

The reason you are getting "no program" is that you probably did not do a scan first to allow your converter box to latch on to digital signals. Many of them are already on the air. I don't know where you live but if you go the www.nab.com you will be able to see who is now broadcasting on digital. Lots of them are not on their final channels and are operating at very low power, but there are already plenty of them now on.

[Elaine]

I bought my DTV converter box and had gone through the wizard set up menu. At the end of the setup wizard it says "no signal". I live in an apt bldg and my antenna comes through the wall. Does anybody have any advice? I called the DTV manufacturer and she said that the area I live in might not have any digital conversions yet. Can this be the case? If so how can I find out if my city is or when it will do the digital converstion? I realize it doesn't go into effect until 2/19/09, so in the meantime I'm just holding onto the box? It seems like everyone else has been successful in the installation and getting clearer and/or addt'l channels than what they had before.

[Milt Snitzer]

For you early birds who have already hooked up converter boxes to old TVs, you may be in for some disappointment if you are using a simple indoor rabbit-ear antenna. Many of the currently broadcasting TV station are transmitting on uhf channels (above channel 13) and pictures are broken up with intermittent sound. In the New York City area, several of the major broadcasters (CBS, NBC, etc.) are not received as well as the old vhf analog signals. Even with a good uhf outdoor antenna, I am not able to receive my favorite channel 13 signal, though all other local stations are fine.
Here's the reason: Some stations are currently operating with very low power, such as channel 13, and their on-air digital signal is too weak for good reception. Other stations are on temporary uhf channels. By the time the February, 2009 deadline arrives, these problems should be resolved. Channel 13 will boost it power and one of its subchannels will be on vhf again, while other stations will move to their final channels (some back to vhf) with their former higher power. Local channel 21 is not even now transmitting its regular programs digitally.
So, unless you get a converter box that allows feed-through analog signals (most of them do not), I suggest you disconnect the converter boxes now and wait until things settle down in 6-9 months.

[everett whitney]

To "Summer-13 Mar" -

Your previous basic indoor or "set top" antenna will not "do" for digital signals as it has for analog.

The majority of your old channels were on VHF - 02 thru 13.

Now, those will be received with different channels in the UHF ranges - i.e. - above # 13. This requires a "UHF" antenna.

Depending upon your surroundings, nearby tall buildings, dense trees, etc., these new digital channels may or may not be obtained with an indoor antenna.

One such possible antenna that "might" work in your attic will be the "DB-4", available from www.solidsignal.com
with shipping about $68. It will also need a short length of Coax Cable, also available from that source.

[Paul Eng]

To all:

Just a short note to thank everyone here for their great input. And for those who are looking for more information about converter boxes, we've finally posted our "First Look" at three set-top boxes.

You'll find it by typing in "First Look DTV converter boxes" in the search box on our site, ConsumerReports.org. Or, you can also cut and paste this simple URL into your broswer:

http://tinyurl.com/3xgqr7

Again, thanks for your comments. Keep them coming. And check back often as we hope to take closer looks at more DTV converter boxes soon!

—Paul Eng, Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[Joe]

I just installed "DigtalStream" DTV boxes at two locations in fringe areas. Both locations have outdoor antennas, rotors and antenna amplifiers. I had missing channels at first at both locations, but found that moving the antenna and updating the channels added the missing channels.

I also found that slight adjustments of the antenna and rescanning made a big difference. I ended up getting all the channels with the antenna pointed in one direction.

After some experimentation I got all the channels I had plus channels I could barely see before and the additional digital channels at both locations.The picture quality is great.

After you understand and get your box set up, you won't miss analog TV at all. The $40 coupon doesn't hurt either. I read Echostar will have a DTV box in May '08 that will sell for $40. That means you would only pay the tax.

I'm waiting to read the first Consumer Reports DTV box testing article when it is available.

[Summer]

I hope someone can help me. I just recently bought an analog to digital converter box. In the past I've used a small table-top tv antennae to pick up reception and I can get all the basic networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CW, PBS, etc). But now that I've installed the converter box, I'm missing NBC and CBS which are broadcast on channels 5 & 12 in my area. In fact, I dont get any VHF channels now. I've gotten these channels before with a cheap antennae, so I thought I would certainly get them with the converter box, but I'm not. Is this a common problem with the analog/digital conversion or did I do something wrong during installation of the converter box?

[everett whitney]

To " Sylvia" -

Your 'post' didn't specify by which means you intended to obtain your TV signals - i.e. - antenna for just O.T.A. programing or local cable analog or standard digital ? Each of these will allow for slightly different viewing.

There are extremely few non wide screen or 'square' format televisions sold now --- these 4:3 sets are usually older stocks, available on close out sales. Yes, these are still "LCD."

Any new wide screen HDTV may be used with standard digital broadcasting - NOT " HD " - local cable companies still do offer this SD service as a separate subscription in most cities. With that required cable box, it can be "set" to appear upon the display in a "wide screen" manner.

Any viewing of analog signals on a HDTV set is not going to be very satisfactory.

As a consequence, however, the colors may seem somewhat pale & faded or, sometimes, scenes may be slightly distorted & stretched.

[everett whitney]

To "steven willmy" and Others -

It is not a matter of Brand or cost of Recorder that now inhibits the successful recording of digital O.T.A..

Rather, due to the ever-increasing inclusion of digital "bits" within the broadcasts of Movies, shows, special events, even Sports, etc., there are flags which will not always permit private recording onto a hard disc.

These 'flags' are a part of 'Copyright Protection' and 'DRM' (Digital Rights Management) all within the "Digital Millennium Copyright Act 1998", now long ago.

With any connection by HDMI, these will always be enforced moreso than by Component Cabling.

The era of unlimited VCR recording as with analog is over.

[donbills]

CLOSED CAPTIONING HORROR STORY. I have a profound hearing loss. Watching TV without closed captioning is impossible...the spoken words might as well be in a foreign langusge. I bought a new Samsung 46" HDTV (LNT4665F) in January, 2008. I contacted Comcast, my cable company, and asked them to send a technician to hook up the new TV set. The first, second, and third technicians were unable to get closed captioning for me. Technician number three told me that the set would never support closed captioning and that I should get rid of it and buy another set. I filed a complaint with the Federal Communication Commission and sent a copy of the complaint to Comcast. Within three days, a Comcast representative contacted me to request that another technician be allowed to come to my house to attempt to set up captioning. With some skepticism, I agreed to this proposal. The FOURTH COMCAST TECHNICIAN spent about 15 minutes fooling with the cable box and the TV and, WOW, every channel became captioned. I now am able to enjoy HDTV with captions. HERE's THE BOTTOM LINE, if you are hearing impaired and unable to get satisfactory captioning from your cable company, file a complaint with the FCC. The FCC has a website where you can find out how to file a complaint. Federal law requires that captioning be provided (with just a few limitations). Believe me, your complaint will get the cable company's attention because the FCC can impose a fine of up to $1.2 million for offenders. The law says that you are entitled to captioning just as other handicapped persons must have their handicap accomodated...it took years to get parking spaces for physically handicapped persons; the battle for captioning for we hearing impaired folks is just warming up.
Don

[Dave]

I divide my time between 3 different residences, none of which have cable. One of these can get UHF channels clearly, one is shielded by hills and powerlines and has snowy and weather-dependant UHF reception. The third has no UHF at all. And all have roof antennas! My newest TV is just 2 years old but alas, does not have a digital tuner.
From what I read here, converter boxes will be largely ineffective. Cable is not an option, and I couldn't afford it (at three locations!