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]

Gary M. - "RCA Converter slowly fading ...?"

Simply "scroll through" all these BLOGS herein to realize that essentially very, very few have ever gotten satisfactory performance OR long-life from ANY of these various federal coupon units! Even C.R. has often stated that these are Only a short term or Band-Aid / 'fix' - - certainly never a permanent DTV solution!

As soon as circumstance allow, seriously consider buying (1) new, top-tier HDTV which never needs any converter, naturally.

Your Chicago area does utilize VHF as their HD transmission band - or - at least, until their on-going request to 'switch to a newer UHF assignment has been acted upon .... until then, you'll need an appropriate "combo" band, Outside Antenna.

everett

[Gary Mussell]

When we first used the converter box we got tons of Chicago area channels. As time went on more and more channels have disappeared. Same TV, same rooftop antenna, I suspect it is the RCA converter box. We have had one quit working entirely and now the other seems to be slowly disintegrating. Anyone else experience this type of problem?

[Marie Murphy]

Well, here I am a week out of the July 31 coupon usage deadline. Always having satellite, I wasn't concerned. Now I'm unemployed, losing satellite and stuck out in the country with a half dozen OLD TV's. Can't afford a converter box, and it probably wouldn't work anyway. Great.

[everett whitney]

TO: angie - 07 Aug - " NO TV Channels ...?"

"IF" you will simply re-post with your ZIP, a proper Outside Antenna suggestion would be suggested.

Agreed, most of those federal coupon Converters were NOT at all good, obviously!

Strictly, a very temporary 'Band Aid' for picture tube TVs until a new HDTV may be bought which works WITHOUT any Converter, of course.

everett

[angie]

why is it the goverment makes us buy something that don't work what a waste of money.cuz i bought the converter box and now i can't get it to work at all i have scanned and still get nuffin i have rabbit ears plus anetta on top of house and still not a thing goverment just took our money again like always one way to make money

[tigerlilly]

They claimed they put a man on the moon but how sad is it that you can't get decent T.V. without paying a arm and a leg and not even the ones they claim are free. Nothing is free.

When I was a kid and we didn't have cable, we can get all the local channels clearly, now since the big scam called cable came about, you have to have all type of junk to get the few stations that use to be free or else pay for hundreds of stations with nothing on it and pay a arm and a leg for that.

[everett whitney]

cinjo - already " gotcha " at another "THREAD."

"IF" you are @ a CONDO or some-such wherein their "RULES"forbid you having a separate antenna unit ... remind them (politely) about the FCC ruling which HAS been tested & upheld that 100% of such Apartment Rules are now VOID!

everett

p.s.- For strictly all-UHF Broadcast signals {or, digital channels 14.1 on upward} that DB-4 Unit can very easily be placed in front of a window which faces in the direction of the TV Towers, behind draperies .... quite discrete!

everett

[everett whitney]

FOR cinjo-What's needed for OTA for a new DTV?"

It IS even FAR more straightforward that THAT!
... # ZERO federal coupon Converters ! # ...

Your new HDTV - regardless of Brand / Type / Display Size .... DOES have an internal digital or "terrestrial" tuner {a.k.a.- 'ATSC'} ...

Go to:
www.antennaweb.org

Input strictly your ZIP & Check 'digital'

Returned / listed will be your available DTV channels, their relative Compass heading from you, Which Broadcast Band(s) [either VHF or UHF or Both, same as us] distance & - - by a color coding - - the suggested types/power/'gain' of Outside Antennas.

www.solidsignal.com

is just (1) of very many web stores selling essentially ALL available Outside Units on the market.

"IF" your specific market IS a "combo" - using both VHF / UHF Bands, there IS a Channel Master # 5646 which works well for relatively short distances on top of a modest Mast, which will need to be secured to the Roof Ridge properly AND earth-grounded.

BUT - for only UHF Band, there's an Excellent, Much smaller Unit - DB-4 which also does fantastically for many @ ~ 20-25 miles, some greater.

Use Quad RG-6 Coax cable in one length directly from whichever antenna directly to the "RF" on the rear of your new TV. Very cheap & available at:

www.monoprice.com

Do understand that ANY / ALL physical obstructions whatever between that Roof Antenna & your Broadcasting TV Towers WILL seriously affect the success / failure of 100% reception!

SO - prior to ordering ANYTHING - get atop your Ridge w/ some simple field glasses to "find" / "see" those Towers w/ their blinking red lights!

For 'more' - pls do re-post! Many "experts" have reported that O.T.A.-HD is the TOP quality HD signals available! You should be able to get all 7 - 8 of the National Networks.

everett

[cinjoe]

OK, I've been reading a lot on how to convert your analog tv to digital via a converter box. How about if you have a digital tv already and want to get rid of your connection to cable service? Is a converter box still necessary to get tv reception? If so will any converter box do?

[everett whitney]

TO: shirleyA-"Constantly have to move/wiggle..?"

You are still amongst those also "in denial!"

Unless / until one installs an appropriate, Outside Antenna System, high atop the ridge of the roof, connected w/ new Quad RG-6 Coax cabling in a single length to (1) converter or HDTV only . . . there will NOT be 100% dependable, in-all-weather & conditions, O.T.A.-DTV !

www.antennaweb.org - input ONLY your ZIP, leaving rest blank gives data needed to select a proper outside unit.

www.solidsignal.com is ONLY (1) of many web stores selling essentially every outside antenna unit in existence.

"IF" your location might be an apartment or situation NOT applicable to an outside unit, consider local cable's all-new, limited channel offering - - - our COX has 22 @ $11/mo which, with a new HDTV & it's internal 'QAM' tuner also gives all (8) local HD networks for zero extra charge plus NO set top box whatever!

everett

[shirleyA]

I don't have a problem getting the channels, but
the picture breaks up and a thumping noise comes on.
We have to constantly movie the antenna around. I have a flat antenna. Do I need another antenna?

[everett whitney]

TO: NM-E Dupree / Seattle / Apartment / Converter ....

Yes, there IS one "absolute certain " solution - but - NOT always possible for all to be sure.

Federal Coupon Converters are Not a permanent, 100% successful "fix" for DTV .... these Must have an appropriate antenna system for 100% dependable in-all-weather O.T.A. reception.

Your Seattle area has many days of heavy rain - these will cause differences in the way your Indoor Antenna functions.

And, as you posted, even though definitely allowed by federal Regulations, to "legally demand" the Complex Management for your Right to have a Satellite system IS costly!

That "certain" solution involves carefully searching for a new HDTV with an internal "QAM" tuner.

With that, one may have the new very least-cost, basic, limited channel local cable service.

NOT widely-advertised at all. However, it IS available, usually for a very modest monthly fee and NO Converter & No Cable Set Top Box of any sort at all !

Our's is COX with 22 channels Plus all 8 local networks in "HD" for just $11 / monthly total ! Comcast has it for $18.75.

Eventually - ALL must "give up" on these federal coupon Converters - only a "stop-gap" item at best - sad, but that IS the situation!

everett

[n/a]

I bought a omni-directional antenna from Radio Shack that is meant for RV's and I can hook up multiple tv's. My first tv is getting every channel in CT and a couple from Springfield, though my second tv is only getting two channels - still working on the second one. Though my first is great, and there is no interference. I just put the omni-directional in the attic on the floor and hooked up the cables - I was done. Good luck.

[N-E Dupree]

I hooked up my converter box about four days before the switch to digital.
I can not receive a signal for NBC. ABC, CBS, or CW11 (basic television stations in the Seattle area). I have not seen the daily news since the switch to DTV.

The antenna that I have is supposed to work but it does not. I am also unable to see any help commercials that could be on the television - I am not able to see the channels. I get some sub channels 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 13. One of the 9.? channel is in a foreign language. The television does not pick up any regular channels, not even the real channel 9.

What is this?

I live in an apartment so I am not able to get a dish and $60 a month is not a price that is a reasonable amount for basic cable.

I was told that I didn’t have to purchase cable with this converter box.

Is there a sure fix for this issue?

[everett whitney]

TO: Patrick -"New Antenna w/ 90 miles Radius?"

PURE hogwash! Even that ..48 miles.. would be a "stretch" for different seasons / weather conditions on UHF.

UHF Band transmissions can ONLY go as far as the curvature-of-the-earth, NO Matter What Antenna!

That will limit the technical capabilities to a Maximum of 60 miles, even atop an extremely-tall mast!

One MUST go first to www.antennaweb.org, input ONLY their ZIP Code (ignoring all the rest) & obtain the data pertinent -i.e.- Which Broadcasting Band(s), Compass Directions, Miles to TV Towers, Color Code recommended, etc..

NEVER buy a unit simply because it happens to have all-manner of "gibberish" printed upon the outer box!

Perhaps it might have been better to have gotten a box with analog pass-thorough.

BUT - no Converter Box will EVER be a 100% permanent "fix" or solution . . . listed herein at Many different places IS the comment by C.R. that ".. Converters are ONLY a temporary solution ...."

Eventually, to receive 100% dependable O.T.A.-DTV, one MUST plan on simply buying an appropriate HDTV, with it's own, internal ATSC digital tuner & "toss" the then failed Converter.

everett

[everett whitney]

TO: tt -"No NBC or ABC on my digital DVD..?"

Then, it must be your particular antenna system!

Look up your Broadcasting Band(s) ... then, compare whatever your are using to those of an appropriate type w/ "views" of the ones @:

www.solidsignal.com

By-the-way - "IF" whatever you ARE using is NOT mounted outside, atop the roof ridge, it should be, as well as connected bu Quad RG-6 Coax . . . 50' lengths are < $8 at:

www.monoprice.com

everett

[Patrick]

We just hooked up to a New Outside Antenna which is
UHF/VHF/HD with a 90 Mile Radious.
Back in May 2008, we bought a "Magnavox Converter Box"
Model #TB100MW9 without "Analogue Pass Thru" !
Before the transition date June 12th 2009, We could
get about 30 channels and now we can only get (6) six !

We usually watched channel (3) WFSB in Hartford, Ct,
which according to their Tech is broadcasting at
1000 watts of power !! We are only 48-miles away !!!
We even tried a Pre-amp from "Radioshack" and no
results !!

We live in a trailer Park so an Indoor Antenna is out of the Question !! I have scanned and rescanned and rotated the
antenna and No Luck !!! Radioshack suggested buying a
Converter Box with "Analogue Pass Thrue" to pick-up
Low signal TV broadcasts ? Someone even suggested to
Double-Scan and empty the memory on the Box and TV
and We did that and No-Luck ?? Any suggestions ?

Patrick,

[tt]

I live in a city with nearby local channels ABC and CBS, but my dvd recorder cannot get them either. If I do the rescan, the tuner skips over them as if they didn't exist. If I manually add the channels 30 and 47, I get no signal. CBS and ABC had the most programs worth watching. What a crock!{My dvd recorder does have a digital tuner by the way, so it's not the tuner being strictly analog!!!}

[everett whitney]

TO" Judy - I'm 60 Miles away ..."

That Much too far - DTV over the UHF Broadcasting Band will NOT "carry" for that distance. Half , yes.

Your Sister's In Chicago IS sent via VHF and, so so needs that type of antenna unit .... BUT ... because of their absolutely horrible weather most of the time {either howling winds, tremendous Winter Storms or intense raining} .... any appropriate outside antenna system WILL be very troublesome + high maintenance. I went through that while living there.

For those in such DTV Markets and / or in a condo or other situation w/o reasonable possibilities for an outside, high antenna, the better solution in my experiences IS to get the Most Simple, very cheapest or basic local cable service ... I mean the Non-Advertised, limited choice, such as COX's for 22 channels @ $11 or a similar service @ COMCAST for $18.75, etc..

Now, w/ a new Top Tier HDTV & the included "QAM" tuner, one WILL also get all those local networks in "HD" for not a cent more + NO Set Top Box whatever !

everett

[Judy Hanson]

I used to get ABC clearly before the conversion to digital. Now I do not with my new RCA converter box. I have tried adjusting my antennae and use a booster, but no luck. I live about 60 miles from Portland, OR and have to get it line of sight rather than the transmitter that some people can use (mountain in the way). Strangely my sister in Chicago also can not get ABC either. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks,
Judy

[Earl]

For TommyB:
At the conversion time, I lost one of the channels (11) on both TVs. I've scanned and rescanned to no avail. However, in frustration while trying to adjust the antenna, my wife yanked the rabbit ears out as far as they could go (even though I said "they won't pull in UHF") and suddenly we were getting channel 11, but we had now lost 32! Pushed the ears back in, we lost 11 and got 32 back.

A simple, but adequate, explanation is that the wavelength of channel 11 is longer than that of channel 32. With the antenna pushed in, the antenna responds better to the length of the channel 32 wave. Pulled out, to the length of channel 11. Neither one is "blocking" the other, but it is the antenna response. Kind of like a red filter and green filter respond to different wavelengths of light.

[everett whitney]

A (P.S.) to " yobebe " please ?

Also explain what is meant by a "..cable to the cottage from the main house ...?"

I.E. - A connection to to the roof antenna @ THAT roof ?

{OR}

Local cable service entirely ?

everett

[everett whitney]

YOBEBE - " Cottage has lost TV ...?"

Surely hope so !

Please re-post, stating that cottage postal zip code in order that www.antannaweb.org might be used to obtain the data necessary.

Listed there will be your TV Stations available channels, Compass directions, Distance & which Broadcast Band(s)

Then, it's very straightforward to use any of the many safe web sites to explore appropriate outside antennas - (1) is :
www.solidsignal.com

HOWEVER - "IF" that is no means to locate an outside antenna, HIGH on the roof ridge plus an 8'- 10' mast as well Without "aiming & looking" thru dense Summer foliage, THEN, no - perhaps there is NO solution, sadly !

everett

[yobebe]

Frustrated...am using cable from a main house, am in the cottage. About two and a half weeks ago lost channels 42-62. after the switch I decided to rescan my channels and now only have 2-11. Anything I can do about that?

[everett whitney]

TO: TommyB - Old Rabbit ears allow 11/32..?"

Don't mean to be "ridiculous" at all - but - have you considered using a digital (2) way splitter from that upstairs antenna which IS doing "O.K.?" NOT a left-over analog, either.

Also, since it's cheap enough, ONLY use { Quad RG-6} coax to connect the two - I can not include it here but "go" to:
www.monoprice.com - insert [ Quad 25' RG6 ] & it will come up, under $8.00 !

everett