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

[jb]

This is such a dilemma for me and causing me stress just thinking about it as my digital converter box coupon expires tomorrow and I'm clueless as to which box to purchase.

My tv's are old, I use rabbit ears attached to the rear of the tv and get great reception. I would like a converter box that I can use a vcr/dvd with. I live in Burbank, CA zipcode 91505-2424, across from the bikepath by the North Hollywood border.

I looked at antennaweb.org but there is no way I'd be able to afford an outdoor antenna. Got any ideas as to which converter box I should buy?

[sulaiman]

i only get about 10 digital channels on the hd reciver in my apt complex in the 98178 area code and none are local what should i do? please e-mail me

[Wendy]

Thanks so much. I'm going to give it a try - where it plugs in with the prongs from the antenna (I now see) can be unscrewed and removed and possibly the pigtail transformer w/balum could work. I can't imagine what old folks who aren't computer literate and can't get good info from people like you are going to do if they can't figure this stuff out!:)

[everett whitney]

Windy - I Apologize ! You did explain it completely - BUT - i didn't read your post carefully enough!

I believe that our old console actually had one of those very same 'connectors' --- round, sliding sleeve sort of fit, with a single conductor in the exact center & the outer, cylinder of plain metal ?

Please 'DO" disregard my other 'replies' totally - they are totally wrong, of course, but not erasable! BUT - whenever I attempted Sony Support to inquire IF their parts department might still have the plug available, of course, they can not even begin w/o the Model number, as all their " techs " are far too young to recall it at all . . . . www.sonystyle.com & click onto "support" way up at the very top .... sorry

[everett whitney]

TO: Windy [ again } " Picture if this works ? "

here's what will do it . . . . http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=WMXFMRPT&mybuyscid=3417126929

[everett whitney]

TO: Windy - " What about a TV adapter for two screws?"

Just 'found' yours . . . . certainly you may !

Visit which ever IS the most convenient between Lowe's, H.D., WalMart SuperCenters, Radio Shack, etc., looking for & asking about a 300-to-75 ohm Transformer or a.k.a = "balum"

About $4.99 on most of those display pegboards & this will allow connection to the coax cable from your Converter! I'd suggest the internet / show you (1) but I'll loose this thread as soon as it has been submitted, unfortunately !

[Wendy]

everett whitney answered a question back in Dec. about an old Sony TV w/rabbit ears. Now, what if that tv antenna hooks up in the back with a (don't know how to explain it) double-prong assembly, sort of a round 2 pronged plug, instead of the 2 wires you screw down like the other questioner's tv? Is there some sort of adapter for this? I've looked all over the sites you mentioned. Yep, it's a very old portable tv with a dial but it works beautifully and gets better reception, picture and sound than my newer one. Thanks.

[everett whitney]

TO: "bluerabbit" - " Inventor needed for Indoor Antenna?"

Sorry - BUT - UHF reception IS the predominant Band used for DTV over the air - Chicago , NYC being two notable exceptions of course.

UHF signals have Always been very much more difficult to receive in any consistent , 100 % reliable, in all Weather and Seasons fashion.

Well over 50% of that limited signal will be "lost" trying to penetrate the construction of a home.

Any hardwood trees - lots of leaves in Summer, Storms, sudden elevation changes, any obstruction whatever between that antenna & the TV Tower, even airplanes in their circulating landing & takeoff patterns DO "mess up" UHF signals !

Even analog TV - partial pictures, snowy images, etc. - did very poorly over the past 30-40 years on indoor, set top units trying to get UHF channels. LOTS of constant 'messing around', adjusting / twisting, etc..

So, don't really expect a "brand new indoor antenna design!" But, even with 150-200 digital channels, there's really NOT very much worth watching many days anyway!

[bluerabbit]

You know, at one time I considered getting cable, but not now! This is a big ripoff and I refuse to be taken. I can't use an outside antenna--wind and lightning--but my new indoor one is a great improvement over the one I had before. The person who invents an effective new indoor antenna will get very rich, even during the recession! Meanwhile, I'll buy DVD seasons of House and other shows I can't receive. Fortunately, I can get the news. Of course, there's always the radio for emergency information.

[everett whitney]

TO: Mylnn - "Three TVs on the antenna BUT ..?"

You have "diluted" or spread out the available signal FAR too much! PLUS, the cable & connections are most likely from the old analog ?? And, those (2 ) TVs are only showing analog from the Converters whereas the new HDTV is Digital .... digital displays are either 100 % perfect or Zero / "freeze up."

Hopefully, you DO have an outside, rooftop antenna ?

A) - Replace all that existing cabling w/ new Quad RG-6 Coax. Use only factory-made, sealed ternimals for that Quad Coax ... inspect that roof antenna balum transformer and make certain that the rubber boot is pliable / weather-proof.

B) - Replace all the assortment of old splitters (900 Hz) w/ digital 5 - 2400 Hz

C) - Amplifiers are sometimes required - BUT - only use IF the above does not "fix" the issues & then, only use a powered unit, mounted at the antenna and supplied the required low voltage from within the attic, out-of-the-weather

[mlynn]

I have three tvs hooked to the same rooftop antenna. Two TVs are old and have been hooked up to converter boxes. One is a relatively new HDTV. The old TVs w. converter boxes get reception all of the time, but the new HDTV does not get as many stations and reception comes and goes. Why, when all are hooked to the same antenna?

[everett whitney]

TO: D endres - 07 Feb - "Where to find out OTA digital Channels?"

Guessing at your Cape Cod "mid point"-the use of zip 02601 gave the very sad news that it IS too far for DTV!

Only the ION & PBS networks will be sufficient close . . . . all the rest are listed as well beyond the limitations of digital UHF Band reception!

You can re-check at www.antennaweb.org - perhaps by inputting your house address, it might give a happier result ?

[D endres]

Is there a way to learn which TV stations and broadcast antenna locations will be sending out the digital signals in an area. I'm out on mid-cape cod MA with a rooftop antena and wonder where these new signals will come from. I hear many channels will be collected and sent from specific antennae.

Thanks
D

[everett whitney]

TO: Pam - "New Radio Shack Antenna...?"

Please Take that back / get a refund! You obviously were "talked into" another useless indoor "HD Amplified " unit!
One should always first use www.antennaweb.org first with their ZIP Code only.

There is NO such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" antenna, in spite of what that silly salesperson may claim!

Check {digital} - leave all else blank - and listed will be your channels, Compass Headings, Distances, whether VHF or UHF or both Bands, by a color coding, the strength or electronic 'gain' suggested.

Lots of web sites - just (1) is - - -

www.solidsignal.com that .... sells all O.T.A. supplies / antennas .... & do only use Quad RG-6 coax cabling !

Digital reception IS substantially-more troublesome & difficult to ever receive dependably! Storms, full foliage on trees, any physical interruption between that Outside antenna & the TV Tower will & does interfere!

[Pam]

I purchased a moderately priced converter box and an antenna through Radio Shack. I live in a densely populated area in Pasadena, California. Since installing the box and antenna the quality of the reception and the # of channels that I can actually view now, versus before the switch, has degraded substantially. Here are some of the problems I’ve encountered:

• The reception of certain stations is now worse, with many stations just not watchable. For instance, the PBS station/s signal is not strong enough and thus the reception is either non-existent or garbled and unwatchable.
• The reception of certain stations is fine one day with a decent signal, and the next day they are virtually unwatchable.

• If the antenna is moved slightly certain stations that at that time have a good signal, will immediately change to a bad signal. There is a knob on the antenna that is supposed to help with the signal, but when turned does nothing to help the signal.

• I am forced to “fiddle” with the antenna every day in order to get certain stations to come in.

• I have completely lost the ability to see certain stations, for instance, the local Channel 13 – Los Angeles, is no longer available. This after repeatedly using the scan for channels feature.

• The digital converter box will just flip to the base station, which I’ve set to Channel 4. So I’ll be watching Channel 7 and the TV will just flip to Channel 4.

My concern is that in the government’s infinite wisdom to deliver “better quality” TV reception, they have not completely vetted out all the problems consumers are going to encounter once every one has completed the transition. The quality of transmission in this digital arena is completely not what the government and stations have been selling to the consumer. I also refuse to help the cable companies get rich just because of the switch.

[Paul Eng]

To Sandy (and all):

Our new, free online video about How to Hook-up a DTV converter box should be able to help you. See:

http://video.consumerreports.org/services/link/bcpid1329233564/bclid1118125802/bctid8350375001

Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[sandy]

Hi, my parents live in a forrest like area, and so far the radio shack conv bx works but my dad was told that the video cables hook up on back of box gives the tv better sound and picture, is this true?

[everett whitney]

TO: Jeanean 17 Jan - " Three Indoor antennae N.G.... "

That experience IS sad to be sure - take them ALL back before it's too late / get a refund! By-the-way .... for very many same as you, digital reception & all set top, indoor antennae will NOT be sufficient, no matter what the claims may be by the silly sales persons and/or that carton!

Please re=post with your ZIP only .... one must check which Band + Compass Heading your TV Channels will be using for transmissions after the analog shut down, whenever that finally does happen!

" IF " it happens that all your Channels do remain on only UHF { and, that's your case now, just from your experiences thus far } AND, are from approx the same TV Towers, a very good possibility will be to have an appropriate antenna mounted as high as possible BUT still within the attic ! I have done so for quite a few & it WILL "do" what's required to provide for 100%, in all weather, consistent digital signal reception .... just (1) that seems to be "successful" many times IS a DB-4 - available from many web stores, including ---- www.solidsignal.com .... keep your courage !

[jeanean]

I'm frustrated by this already. We get very weak signal with our indoor antenna (we have tried 3 so far). I used to be able to handle the occasional blur or fuzzy picture but the digital mess is intolarable and I end up shutting off the tv when a slight wind blows. Lets remember we all can't climb up on the roof to install an antenna let alone afford to pay someone to do this.
Very upset, very angry that this is just shoo shoo'd off as a minor glitch. I can imagine during a storm....us regular fold without cable will be stuck with no warnings or information because our signal got messed up in the wind~

[everett whitney]

TO: Carl S. " HOW LONG ?"

In spite of requests for analog shut off delays, there IS little chance of your ever receiving any Coupons in time now.

Just inquire about the new, limited analog local cable services available in all major markets --- here, w/ COX, for $11.75 and it does allow all VCRs to function thru 2012, same as ever !

[Carl S]

Does anyone know how long it may take to get the coupons? I ordered on 10/16/08 and my confirmation says it would be mailed on 10/31/08. As of 1/12/09 I have not received them yet.

The program website responded to my inquiry saying that it may take "several weeks" to receive. How long is several weeks? Am I ever going to get them?

[everett whitney]

TO: Maggie - "Special HDTV Indoor Antenna ..?"

There is NO unique, specail antenna for HD ... just advertising hype / nonsense.

As long as one gets both Bands as you posted it MAY work ... may not, too, as Indoor antennas for digital reception all need MUCH constant "fiddling!"

Ask her local cable company WHY it is not abiding the FCC ruling about new, limited analog channels for Seniors??? I.E. - Cox has ir @ $11,75. Comcast has 11 for $11 plus (28) for $18.75 near Atlanta market, etc., etc..

[Maggie Chen]

My mother does not have a digital TV. She is tired of the outrageous calbe TV monthly charge. We are shopping for an indoor antenna for her condo. The only antennas we see on the internet that receive both UHF and VHF are for HDTV. If she already has a converter box, can she use that? Are any of these antennas obsolete after February change-over?

[Kendall Christians]

I live in Chandler Minn. with many windmills in the area.Chandler is also in a valley. I can get two channels with analog using a antenna on top of the house but when I hook up a converter box I cannot get any stations??? Is there anything I can do ???

[Nicko]

Unless Mr. Mulford lives in a coal mine, or in a heretofore uncharted area of Indiana, it's not likely that he lives 100 feet below sea level. The lowest point in Indiana is about 320 feet ASL.