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

[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.