The DTV transition: Get the gear you might need soon

This Sunday, it will be exactly one year until TV broadcasts go all-digital, and the action is starting to pick up. Uncle Sam, electronics manufacturers and retailers, and consumers are gearing up for the day analog TV broadcasts cease—Feb. 17, 2009. Here are the latest developments:

Coupons going fast; don't miss out. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the government will mail the first batch of coupons to consumers who requested help paying for a digital converter box. These boxes will enable analog TVs to accept digital signals pulled in by an antenna. Each household can request one or two $40 coupons. The coupons, which look like plastic gift cards (see the sample image on the right), expire 90 days after they're issued.

[April 7, 2008 UPDATE: Concerned about the expiration date on your converter coupons? Check out our latest post, DTV converter coupons: It's now or never, which also features a link to "share your story" with HearUsNow.org, the consumer advocacy arm of Consumers Union, our parent company. —Ed.]

As of Feb. 14, the government had received applications for nearly 5 million coupons—almost one-fourth of the 22,250,000 coupons available to any household. When those are gone, another 11,250,000 million will be offered, but only to households that depend solely on an antenna for TV signals. If you subscribe to cable or satellite service for some TVs but have other sets that use an antenna, apply before the unrestricted coupons are gone. Visit www.dtv2009.gov to apply online or to get a form that can be mailed or faxed (you'll need Adobe Acrobat software), or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

Converters arriving in stores. The first digital converter boxes are arriving in stores now. Independent retailers and major chains including Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart will sell the boxes, which cost about $40 to $70, and have agreed to accept coupons.

Wal-Mart has already started to sell the Magnavox TB100MW9 for $50. (Click on the image at left for a closer look.) Best Buy and Circuit City have pledged to have converters in all stores by this Sunday, Feb. 17, and some of their locations already have them. (We purchased one and will post a review of the Magnavox digital TV converter box soon.)

Most of these retailers won't let you purchase a converter online, though NTIA said it will list online retailers on www.dtv2009.gov shortly. You can also plug in your address and find a local converter box retailer at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx.

You can apply a coupon only toward converter boxes that have been approved by the government. At press time, 37 models were approved. You'll find the list of approved converter box models on the NTIA web site: https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm.

What to expect when you shop. Be prepared for some confusion when you go shopping. In one store, a clerk advised our reporter not to worry about the cutoff, as it was a year away—bad advice for those who want to order a coupon before they're gone and use it before it expires. When we phoned another store, a clerk told us converter boxes were sold out. She wasn't sure when more units would be arriving and wasn't aware of the coupon program. Only in one instance did we receive correct information from a salesperson. So bone up on the DTV transition information you need to know before you head out to shop.

Check back here in coming days for ongoing coverage, including advice on antennas and reviews of converter boxes, and visit our DTV Transition hub for more information.

—Nick Mandle

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: Doug -12 Nov - " Antennas ... indoor Vs Outside .."

Not surprising at all that your experiences w/ multiple indoor antennas have been fruitless ... 100 % dependable, in all weather, reception of UHF signals inside with a set top version is essentially hopeless, except for the very, very few !

www.antennaweb.org IS the initial stopping web spot --- input only the ZIP, checking 'digital' & ignore all the rest!

Listed will be the Channels you have available, Which Band { or Both } , both today as well as Post Feb, Compass Heading, Distance & by color-coding, which "gain" or strength is suggested.

Most need to be outside, as high as practical atop the roof. There are always exceptions. From your current troubles, it would seem that you Will need outside for sure.

www.solidsignal.com is one web site that has all from many manufacturers.

[Doug]

Besides reviews of the converters, we really need antenna reviews, both rooftop and set-top. I have bought and returned 5 different set-top antennas that simply did not work. Are signal amplifiers the answer?

In the end I found some simple plans on the internet using coat hangers and aluminum foil ... which ended up working far better than the store bought antennas. If I can find one that works as well or better, I'd buy.

[Jill Greenberg]

Where the heck is CBS channel 2 in Chicago on the digital converter box? All I get is the message that says "no signal" What a rip off!

[everett whitney]

P.S. - ED - " Antenna on Ebay @ 90 Miles ...."

Practically, even with an outside mast of say 30 feet or more height, the 'dead' spots brought about by changes in local elevation, nearby buildings, reflections off surfaces like dense trees, metallic roofing / siding and bad snowy weather, downpours of heavy rainfall, etc., all contribute to a physical limitation for UHF Band signal reception to more in the range of 35-45 miles radius at best.

Better equipment might be found from established houses such as Channel Master, Wingard, Antennas Direct, etc..

View different antennas / ask questions @
www.solidsignal.com

everett

[everett whitney]

TO: - Ed -" New antenna from Ebay --- 90 Miles...?"

Just one small but vital point ... There will be NO unit at all the ever successfully receives dependable, consistent UHF digital signals @ ..90 miles. Accidental & in unique cases - certainly.

These are limited by a "Curvature-of-Earth" phenomena, meaning that unlike our fading VHF signals, there is far less "bending" of those as well as more susceptibility to the interferences by physical obstructions.

So, 60 miles will ultimately be "IT !"

Ebay is not exactly the consistent source of reputable electronic gear.

[Ed Lovrovic]

I saw a quite number of good testimonials on: Model name TITAN...... New 2009 Amplified Rotor Outdoor Antenna HDTV VHF UHF, w/2years warranty,90 mile range w/remote control. Available only from eBay /authorized/seller.

Did ConsumerReorts have done any testing on this product? Any comments, please.
Thank you very much.
Ed in Ocean County NJ.

[Yamilet Marcano]

Solicite los cupones y denegaron por que varios miembros de mi familia reciben sus correspondencia en la misma direccion y ellos al igual habian solicitado ya los cupones para sus respectivas casas.Espero que puedan ayudarme ya que tengo 2 niñas y no quiero que se queden sin poder ver el televisor.

[Tom]

If real estate is about location, location, location, then Digital TV is about reception, reception, reception. Read the following article.

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/68338

[sheena]

I did purchase the lcddigital 8" and it works well, but i had to pay $350 for mine. I bought the radio shack one and it just sucked. so, i'm glad that i finally have one that works.

[everett whitney]

A "P.S." to WD - " Basic Cable Analog @ $11-$12 ?"

For some with multiple picture tube sets within a home, this limited analog cable will also be much preferred, as even a very good digital antenna system generally will experience difficulties when trying to support 4 -5 sets.
That signal becomes too "diluted" .. same as trying to have had too many Ma Bell ringers, remember?

By chance, did you establish a "lock" company?

[everett whitney]

TO: WD - 19 Sept - " What cable company for basic + ?"

Hi - " IF " one is very firm with the telemarketer that answers the cable company telephone --- ALL had to "sign" on with the FCC last year ! It's an unadvertised offering across the nation until 2012, for some that can not for a variety of reasons "do" an antenna! COX has it -i.e.- for (24) channels @ $11.75/mo.. Comcast, too,etc..

Yes, I'm the same one .... you, too, obviously! Sorry, but, I can't "place you" from the initials. Small world ... Do you read / post any of the "Forums?" Thanks for remembering!

[WD]

To: Everett Whitney

what cable service in your area is offering the "basic" setup you describe?

btw, any chance you used to hail from the Oklahoma City area at the old Western Electric plant?

-wd

[everett whitney]

TO: Terry-14 Sept -"All manner of Troubles.."

With your (4) TVs, a different solution will be to forget about the Coupons & just get the "secret" basic analog local cable - a part of the FCC/ Cable agreement which keeps cable going thru 2012, NOT next Feb..

Will provide about (24) channels to all your picture tube TVs, clear, perfectly @ under $15/monthly all told!

Never mentioned in all the multitude of "Public Infomercials!"

[Paul Eng]

To Terry:

I'm sorry to hear that you're having difficulties with the DTV transition. Here are some tips, that may help you:

1) Yes, these digital TV converter box might not work with handheld TVs. They were designed to be powered from wall outlets and use conventional TV connections--antenna (RF) and/or audio-video input/output jacks--which may not be present on handheld TVs.

If you want a portable handheld TV that can receive digital TV signals, we've found only one. (See our recent post, "Essential gadgets for emergencies" -- http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/07/essential-gadge.html)

Please note, however, that the government-issued $40 coupons cannot be applied to anything other than the converter boxes.

2) If you are having trouble finding DTV converter boxes in stores, you can also try online. The NTIA's DTV Web site has a list of online and telephone-based retailers that will accept your coupons. See:

https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx

Consumer Reports buys some of the converter boxes we used for testing and Ratings via online stores as well. For more information, check:

Guide to DTV converter boxes:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/digital-tv-converter/overview/dtv-converter-box-guide.htm

3) Another option you may want to consider is a VCR or DVD-recorder or digital video recorder (like Tivo) with a built-in ATSC tuners. These will receive (and record) digital TV signals and play them back on your analog TV just like a converter box.

A search (for "VCR and ATSC") on Wal-mart's and Amazon's Web sites yielded a few models. They cost roughly more than $200 -- significantly more expensive than the $50-$70 converter boxes.

Again, you can't apply the $40 government coupons for these VCRs. But if you need to replace an old DVD and/or VCR anyway (and you really need all four of your TVs to work after Feb. 2009)... Well, it's an option. (And a LOT cheaper than spending thousands of dollars on a brand new HDTV.)

And finally...

4) The digital TV transition has been underway for the past ELEVEN years since it was an integral part of the U.S. Telecommunications Act of 1996, which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on Feb. 8, 1996. (For more information, see: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/opadhome/overview.htm)

If you have issues and grievances, contact your elected government officials and let your voice be heard!!

Consumers Union, the parent company of Consumer Reports, has also been working hard to fight for consumers' rights in telecommunications and other public policy issues.

To see Consumers Union's efforts in the DTV transition (and to "share YOUR story") see the HearUsNow Web site:

http://www.hearusnow.org/tvradio/12/

-Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[Terry]

Ye! I got two coupons and four tvs...Top it off I go all over town and either they are sold out or never got any! I also have two tvs in camper and no boxes for them either! Now coupons are about to expire and will be good for nothing! Thanks Goverment!
P.S. I go 45 miles to other towns and again SOLD OUT!!! They get a hand full and are sold out almost the day they get them! Good plan gov...Why should I have to buy any tv w/digital until these burn out! At least a good book or mag will work! NO MORE SALES or have to pay taxes, State looses also!

[Terry]

These converter boxes won't work with my hand held tv. So I guess that makes it a piece of our local garbage dump! Thanks Bush!!!Congress!!! I'm glad my taxes are working for someone besides me!
Terry B. from Michigan

[everett whitney]

TO: Jaun - 08 Sept - " Table Top antenna won't work ..?"

Most digital signals are in the UHF Band .. ie - channels above #14. All of these digital signals ARE much more difficult to obtain than are / were the previous old analog!

Your all-brick building is "stopping" these from that table top antenna. Many small, set-top antennas will be very problematic, if not impossible to use for digital reception, particularly inside a very heavy construction such as yours.

Since your post stated there's no chance for a roof top antenna, see IF your city has one of the all-new analog cable services available for picture-tube sets .... here, our local cable company has just announced theirs, for (24) basic channels at $11.75/month, No Converter needed!
Guaranteed thru early 2012.

[juan]

i need to find why the tv boxes signal will not work on old brick buildings and do not have a roof antenna but i bought a table top antenna to get signal with

[anne worley]

i have a jvc-super command and no where do i see this model on any of your lists.if you are going to make all of us(even us on low fixed incomes)buy this boxes you could at least have them pretty generic so that one box fits all or just don't do this-not everyone has 300-400$$$ just lying around these days or ever to go buy another tv just cause uncle sam say we have to.why have to buy a new tv when the old one is working fine.as usual-the older senior citizens were not thought of only the might dollar-hope you are all very proud

[John Martin]

Digital Converter Boxes We got our coupons last month and they expire on August 15, 2008 and we only get three channels out of Chattanoonga, TN. We need to shop on limited budget but we don't see an updated Consumer Reports reviews with Best Buy recommendations. Also I wonder about the prices shown since the prices seem to be less than what we are seeing in the stores, except for the WalMart one was $50 plus tax. Can you help with Best Buy Recommendations and updated reviews on all boxes eligible for coupon use.

Thanks very much.
John Martin

[Peggy Brawley]

Does Consumer Reports plan to do a full evaluation of the various digital converter boxes and antennas? When can we expect that to appear in the magazine? Thanks.

[everett whitney]

TO: Melody - 16 July - "Tried Converters w/ TV set @ 2 but ...?"

A)- set the TV @ either channel # 3 or #4, same as on our old VCRs ... not channel #2.

Your ".. RCA indoor antenna .." may be for only analog signals, since the TV does very well when connected straight to it now.

All Coupon Converters must have digital signals - usually channels above # 13. That means a "UHF" antenna -

Although it IS possible for special indoor ones to work when very near the TV Towers, more often it is better to have an attic or even outside antenna.

In Chicago, NYC, etc., some digital signals are still on analog channels plus next Feb, more will be changing to these as well.

To be "safe" - one might consider a "combo antenna" ---- { both VHF & UHF } to avoid buying still another antenna after Feb..

One such version is a Channel Master # 3016 - may be viewed / bought at www.solidsignal.com as well as many other web stores. Same unit IS also C.M.# 5646 - only in a different shipping carton.

Unless one has a very large attic, this should be mounted outdoors, as high as possible and connected to the Converter w/ quad Coax, RG6 cable - not flat, ribbon-type wire.

F.Y.I - That .. 900 .. converter has been replaced w/ .. 901 ..

Much smaller antennas physically & "stronger" as well - include the - C.M. # 4228 plus another brand - DB-2, DB-4 & DB-8. These are strictly for channels above #13, however.

All may be viewed at the same web store.

[melody]

I have a Toshiba 13A23 bought in 2003. I have connected 2 Insignia Digital to Analog converters and a Zenith DT900 but we cannot get menu to appear. I set channel to '2' and can see a vague outline of the menu but it is jumpy, scrolling, and scratchy. I bought my Insignia at Best Buy and Zenith at Circuit City. Got refunds on both. Now I'm out of 'official' discount cards....guess I'll have to tap my family for cards. BTW when I connect TV to an RCA amplified indoor antenna, local stations come in fine. Guess I need to try another brand? Any suggestions? BTW2...I checked Toshiba site no info what so ever.
Thanks, melody

[everett whitney]

TO: Amanda F. - " Way Out From Any Other services ... new converter won't work on our Antenna ...?"

Got to www.antennaweb.org to put in your ZIP + address, check "digital" & there will be a color code + miles + compass direction for an antenna for your Converter - IF possible at all.

Your current antenna is VHF - channels #13 & lower.
Converters will not work on analog signals.

The most powerful UHF is a Channel Master # 4228 - but- will only work at 45 miles from TV Towers or closer.

www.solidsignal.com
&
www.antennasdirect.com
are only suggestions of many web places.
eli

[everett whitney]

TO: John M. - " I've got cable to 1 new HDTV but 4 analog TVs...."

IT will be far better IF you simply have them continue on analog cable service thru the start of 2012 ... all cable companies signed on w/ the FCC last Sept to keep analog available to all that wanted same until then & No Box !

Infinitely more satisfactory than any Converter - BUT - only IF there is already cable service in the home to (1) set already.

P.S. - Those (4) analog TVs will be " N/C " , too.

Lastly, IF wanted, all analog TVs may also be hooked up to a cable box to get all the 150-175 standard digital channels { Standard Digital is Not HD } at a token fee as well.

Again, far better than a Converter.

eli