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: 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

[TommyB]

I have been receiving all of my over the air local digital stations for 6 months without any problem. On the old TV downstairs, I use a converter box and rabbit ears/loop combo, on the digital TV upstairs I use an RCA flat antenna.

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.

My theory is that the signal from 32 is blocking 11, and by pulling out the rabbit ears we're blocking 32, thereby allowing 11 to get through. Is this possible? And if so, are we stuck with only getting one channel or the other? (We can't do this trick with the flat antenna.)

Thanks for anything anyone can add to this.

[everett whitney]

TO: TOM - " Hooking up my Many TVs ...?"

Certainly no guaranties or means to specifically address your problem from afar - BUT - there definitely IS a limitation to how many can be successfully connected to a single outside antenna system !

Simply stated - in your instance - the third connection WAS too many !

everett

[everett whitney]

TO: Terrell - "Converter needs Which antenna?"

It's YOUR location that determines what antenna IS appropriate, NOT any Converter...

Step# 1 - www.antennaweb.org - input ONLY your Zip

Pay strict attention to which Broadcast Band(s) your TV Market will use - i.e.- Hi VHF / UHF only or Both ?

Step# 2 - Many safe web stores - (1) is www.solidsignal.com

Step# 3 - Either "D.I.Y." or hire Professionally it's Outside Installation, atop the highest part of your roof.

DO please be aware that - as of today, 13th June - for very many on the Fringe, behind a nearby taller building, in a valley, on the Far Side of a hill, within dense hard wood trees w/ all that Summer Foliage, simply too many miles from TV Towers, etc., there is NO appropriate antenna system that will ever provide 100% dependable OTA-DTV reception!

For these peoples, there must be local cable or (1) of the two satellite subscriptions - OR - simply, do w/o TV !

everett

[Terrell Taylor]

What type of antenna do i need for this converter box?

[TOM TORRISI]

I HOOKED UP CONVERTER BOXES TO TWO TV'S, AND WHEN I
HOOKED THE THIRD ONE UP I ONLY GET CHANNEL 2 AFTER A SCAN.
WITHOUT SOUND. IS THE BOX GOOD OR MY CONNECTIONS WRONG.
TOM TORRISI

[everett whitney]

TO: Toby - "Only get 1 clear Spanish Channel...?"

OBVIOUSLY, there's something not yet correct w/ your "set up!"

Have you yet used www.antennaweb.org or that new FCC site? That's always a preferred Step #1.

After that data IS in hand - with which Band(s) are used in YOUR specific TV Market, etc.. - you can go to any of the fine web sites dealing w/ "O.T.A.-DTV" supplies ... one of which IS - - -

www.solidsignal.com

That will offer the info on which Outside Antenna IS best for your situation, to be mounted atop the very top of your roof & connected via Quad RG-6 Coax in a single length, no splitters, please!

www.monoprice.com has it in 50 feet coils w/ prepared, weather-proof Compression "F" connectors @ Under $8 ... longer available , too.

ALL major TV Markets should have by now all (8) of the major, local networks in DTV signaling, as well as quite a few "sub-channels."

everett

[toby]

I get one really clear Spanish speaking channel, and three channels with colored bars and that's pretty much it. I'm hoping to get get something of substance after the conversion; otherwise, I'll just switch to radio.

[everett whitney]

Cathy - " Terrible spelling mistakes !"

Apologies - but - No Editing Possible ... very sorry.

everett

[everett whitney]

TO: Cathy - " TREES . . . ?"

Alredy saw you @ another ?

"IF" your specific TV Market DOES strictly use the UHF Transmission Band ONLY, that really bodes for some "intermittent" issues for sure, by-the-way.

As soon-to-be-experienced by EVERYONE, the 100% Dependable, In-All-Weather, All-Seasons UHF reception is Very Much More difficult/tedious/unsuccessful than our soon-to-be-dead Analog VHF ever was !

Very strong winds, extreme & sudden temperature changes such as we do have prior to sever storms, leaves in the Summer, even air traffic in their landing-take off patterns in ANY place between your antenna & th TV Towers will & do interrupt UHF signaling !

It's for these + many more reasons that some feel so strongly about this switch to DTV as being a "conspiracy" or "very dark plot" to make many need to have Satellite {or local cable} service after 12 June . . . .

NOT the case, of course - BUT - still the one solutions for very many that used to have only O.T.A. reception for years !

everett

[everett whitney]

TO: Cathy - " TREES all around me ... ?"

That would be one solution - but - a costly project, as the proper "cabling" needed to be run underground from the base of any such pole / mast over to your HDTV set will be most-likely shocking as well as prohibitive !

As to what antenna proposal, this switch to DTV has NOTHING at all to do w/ the very old technology of adequately receiving O.T.A. signals!

Many have been convinced otherwise & ARE spending TONS of monies on essentially-useless " .. Special Amplified HD Set Top Units ..!"

FIRST . . . one should always go to this web -

www.antennaweb.org

... input ONLY your ZIP, check digital (for another few days) and listed WILL be the available TV Stations, Compass Direction(s), Distances & - CRITICAL - their Transmission Band[s} !

Next, go to any of the very many good web sites offering O.T.A. supplies / antennas . . (1) is -

www.solidsignal.com

IF you TV Market happens to be one of those few which IS going to be still using Hi VHF and UHF broadcasting after 12 June, one appropriate unit Might be the Channel Master # 5646 which IS exactly the very same unit inside the highly-decorated outer carton of the C.M. #3016 @ $20 more money!

Also needed will be a proper earth grounding of any such outside installation - - - all-in-all, undoubtedly a VERY costly set up in your specific situation!

For those in various "Fringe" and / or unique situations such as yourself, the end of available O.T.A.-DTV will be the case come 12 June for certain!

everett

[cathy]

What do I do when I live with all trees around, move the antenna to the closest open space? I can get some HD channels yet not all in my area and was thinking of buying a new outdoor antenna, yet have no clue as to which one to get. Any thoughts?

[everett whitney]

TO: Sylvia -"When on, says , no signal?"

That is saying that the converter still needs to be "programmed" or allowed to scan the TV Market for all the DTV signals in your area.

It apparently has pass thru, meaning it is NOT involved while "off."

Also ... new antenna .. sounds ominous! "IF" you sadly bought any of the "...Fantastic, All-new Amplified HD Indoor...." set top antennas - please do read all the data sheet VERY carefully ? Very many of these are NOT actually worth the cost of their Cartons.

Generally, these ARE only for UHF Band TV Channels, whereas the greater regional NYC TV market is served on the VHF transmission band!

You should attempt to rescan first - there's always a "chance" that the new antenna might function ?

Otherwise, seek out / buy a different unit that SPECIFICALLY states both VHF & UHF reception capable.

P.S. - also re-scan the first thing 13 June & at least weekly thereafter for a while in order to get new channels.

everett

[sylvia]

I set up my converter box and new antenna. With it turned off, I get a better picture than I used to. With it turned on, I get "No Signal." I am in Jersey City in an apartment building so an outdoor antenna is out of the question.

What does "No Signal" mean? I set-up and re set-up and can't find anything not done properly. I just don't understand where the problem is coming from.

Please help.

[everett whitney]

TO: Emily R. " Bad Converter ...?"

Please re-post, including the exact, full Model # / Brand of CRT as well as "what/which/how" cabling you did use ?

Agreed, you are NOT connected properly - since DTV will ONLY provide 100% perfect displays or ZERO / blank - blue screen!

Do not necessarily count on that .. 90% ... signal strength meter, either!

PLUS - what antenna unit are you trying to use?

Lastly, include you ZIP, please . . . . those dense trees are NOT good!

everett

[Emily R]

We just hooked up our DTV converter box and we're getting a lousy picture. When I press the signal strength button on the remote, it says that the signal is in the 90%'s, but the picture is still fuzzy with a buzzing sound. When I turn off the DTV box and look at the 'regular' tv the picture comes in great, so I don't think it is the cables or connection. What can be causing this? Do I have a bad converter box? We do have a lot of trees around our house, would this be causing it do be fuzzy even though the signal strength is so high? We are in an area that doesn't have cable so I need to figure this out!! Thanks

[everett whitney]

P.S. to Marilyn - " Mobile Home Park ...."

I used your central Denver 'ZIP' as an estimate, not knowing how far your exact location might be , of course.

You ARE in great luck, as it happens ! Right now, they are simulcasting DTV with analog, all on UHF Band - that's why your indoor set top antenna can not work at all thru that metal wall / roof construction.

Only ABC will be reverting back on 13 July to VHF - so, losing that one only, get a DB-4 antenna, Mounted on a pipe mast above the roof, properly earth-grounded & connected with that RG-6 coax to which I referred previously and you WILL see MANY channels ! Here is that --- http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=TD-DB4

[everett whitney]

TO: Marilyn - "Analog fine in Mobile Home ..?"

Your difficulties are Because the UHF can not penetrate that metal siding successfully & still be sufficiently strong enough for the signal to "lock on!"

You & the rest of the Homes WILL need to get / install whatever appropriate NEW antenna is suggested by going to / using www.antennaweb.org, input Only your ZIP {ignore all the rest } / check "digital".

Listed will be the digital channels - including any changes after 12 June - Compass Heading so that the outside antenna may be properly aimed plus by color-coding, what is suggested.

Lots of safe web stores - (1) is www.solidsignal.com

Connect it up using Quad RG-6 coax - under $8 here - www.monoprice.com

No, it's actually lots more than promotion of cable / satellite customers - BUT - definitely, yes , there are going to be those on the fringe, in a valley, behind a taller building, too many miles away, etc., that WILL NOT have Over-The-Air Tv come 13 June for certain!

[marilyn reveree]

I live in a mobile home in Denver, I cannot get good DTV signal. I use an indoor antenna, I had no problem getting all the signals when it was analog. I do not think anyone took into all the people who live in mobile homes. Denver says it will switch to total dtv in april. Hope they up their signal, I think this whole thing is a sham to get us to go to cable.

[everett whitney]

TO: Brad - " Long Distance O.T.A. Reception..?"

Sorry, but that will be technically impossible for those majority of TV Channels using UHF Bands!

Only some 400 TV stations are to broadcast over Hi VHF Band by 13 June i.e.- Chicago, NYC. Others will have only ( 1 ) of the major networks on VHF, with all the others in that market on UHF. Our city has that situation.

Use www.antennaweb.org / input only your ZIP to confirm the situation in your case. There's also the newer FCC web site.

The limitation for UHF - irrespective of any Mast, Super Antenna, Rotor Unit, etc. - will be the curvature-of-the-earth rule for totally line of sight transmissions.

This will be at the MOST 60 miles distance from the TV Tower to your antenna system plus 100 % perfect conditions !

For anything at all approaching your posted aerial distances, there will be ONLY satellite TV after 12 June!

[Brad]

I keep hoping to see better lab tests which compare the ability of these DTV boxes to receive signals in fringe areas. For years I was happy with my analog reception receiving signals from up to 90 miles away, but after going digital I can't receive from towers more than 50 miles away. I have a 14 foot roof top antenna with rotor. The digital picture quality is great, but it comes at the cost of losing channels. Will any of these UHF broadcasts switch to VHF channels which can travel longer distances? I understand there is still 40% of the USA with no access to cable TV. Those of us in the fringe need some help from Consumer Reports to recommend long range tuning equipment.

[Ed Harrison]

Having set up my converter, getting things working well -- with the exception of keeping the stereo sound from my 20-year old TV, which lacks a composite video port -- I've suddenly created a major problem, and have now have an essentially non-working converter situation. Poking around on the "menu" of my Zinwell ZAT-950A (top-rated here) I accidentally switched from the factory default RF CH-3 to RF CH-4, and then somehow hit something else such that I can't bring up the menu display to get back to the CH-3 setting, which is the right setting and gets me a superb picture. Basically, the picture, since it's on the wrong frequency setting, resembles what I'd get on the analog (w/o converter) from a station 60 miles away. Unlike a computer, there's no obvious way to "reboot." Plugging and unplugging the power makes no difference.
Does anyone have a suggested solution to this? I've still got one more coupon, and can order another converter (probably the same one) but I'd sure like to figure out how to fix this. I'm not confident that Zinnet, the manufacturer, actually has techs to advise on this. Thanks for any and all help. I'm giving my email here -- ed.harrison@mindspring.com -- to get direct help if any readers can offer it. I'm a public official so my email's public anyway.

[everett whitney]

Added to - jb - "What to do / can not have a new antenna"

There IS a solution - far better than any antenna, precisely for persons such as yourself !

Contact the local cable telemarketers & INSIST that they tell you about their new, limited channel service for Seniors . . . ours IS $11.75 / monthly for { 18 } channels plus it operates all our VCRs and up to 4 more TVs !

All local cable companies have it BUT don't care to admit same.

No maintenance & it "works" in all weather, etc..

[everett whitney]

TO: jb - " Can't get a new antenna / must use rabbit ears!"

Unless that set of Rabbit Ears still does have it's "bow tie" or "loop" pieces, you don't need to spend any money for a coupon converter --- you can't receive a signal !

The "bow tie" appears exactly as it sounds - same as a man's bow tie only much larger, whereas that "loop" is connected to the rear of the TV set with miniature 'springs' which DO allow for the never-ending "adjustments" needed with your set top antenna ! Without one of these, your converter can Not function . . sorry.

[everett whitney]

TO: Sulaiman - " Only get 10 digitals in Apt Complex ?"

Your situation may be "wrought" with all manner of extra issues regarding individuals being allowed to have their own private antennas as opposed to being strictly served by that provided apartment service ?

Although Federal Rules & Guidelines Mandate that each of us - specifically including apartment owners and / or renters - MUST be allowed, many associations still argue & not all individuals have either the money or time to go to court to over-turn these illegal actions.

Two points, please ? "IF" you now get ten channels w/o any locals at all, I can not understand what these may be?

Your locals ARE available { excluding only FOX-HD } at a single compass heading of 316 - 325 degrees, so a Rotor Unit is not required plus [ depending upon local obstructions of nearby taller buildings or your specific apartment being close to street level, etc., ] at only 8 to 11 miles distance to the local TV Tower 'farm' any indoor unit that can face that direction through a window or patio door should do very well !

Go to www.solidsignal.com to read about / look at their newest replacement unit for the old Silver Indoor set top antenna. Good Luck!