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

[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

[everett whitney]

TO:Howard - 13 July - "Built-in TV antenna doesn't work.?"

Those retractable shiny 'rods' in the shape of a long V are strictly analog ... all convertors are UHF to get the vast majority of current digital TV O.T.A. broadcasts. Needs either a round loop or metal bow tie portion in addition as well. Maybe yours has become "lost."

Since you can see those TV Towers by line-of-sight, a very simple UHF antenna will "do" it for that Converter - see -

www.solidsignal.com { only one of lots } for their pricing on a DB-2 or DB-4 .... either one will do it, probably in your attic or even up against a window facing those Towers under the draperies.

IF - IF - under 7 - 8 - 10 miles distant as the crow flies, there's also a very weak, picture frame UHF antenna, complete w/ 10 feet of attached cable - see at -

www.antennasdirect.com because they permit returns for 30 days. The first site charges a restock fee.

eli

[Howard]

I have a JVC Telstar 13" TV with built-in rabbit ears, model number C-1455US, that I bought in 1984. I use it in the kitchen where there is no cable outlet and, with line of sight to the transmitter mountain, I get a fine picture - as good as if not better than my cable TVs.

The other day, using my coupon, I bought an RCA converter box at WalMart and hooked it up. It doesn't work. Apparently that particular TV model isn't listed anywhere after 24 years. My question is: Does that mean it's hopeless to expect any converter box to get a digital signal on this model TV? Or is there some trick to make it work? Sure would appreciate an answer. I hate to give up my trusty old JVC, even if it is an antique.

[everett whitney]

TO: Ginnava - "Buy Wal-Mart's Converter or a better .....?"

It's not the difference in the 50+ different federal coupon converters that's critical ... some convenience features, certainly, but all have been made in China to the very least possible content & still meet the federal specification. No repairs, minimal warranty (if any) & will not be refunded.

Instead, it Will be the new digital antenna that you buy / have installed that determines the success or failure of any converter.

Reliable, consistent Digital Reception IS much more problematic to accomplish than was analog. Foul weather often interrupts the signal... a picture via a digital signal is either 100 % or zero .. no 'snowy, ghosts, or partial' ones will ever happen at all.

All long V-shaped 'rabbit ears', set top antennas, etc., will Not be acceptable, as these are either analog only or when digital-capable, only function IF very close to the TV towers.

All flat ribbon wire will need to be changed to round, coax cable.

www.antennaweb.org + your Zip / address and then, check "digital" will result in a proper listing of what channels, where & how far from you, as well as a color code indicating what types of antennas are recommended.

These WILL cost more than all versions of converters, especially IF one can not self-install.

Lastly, do make sure to buy an antenna that may be refunded IF it does not function for you.

[Ernie]

I purchased a Magnavox (from Wally World) converter box and it works great. I can now receive more channels and with a better picture. The remote control is programable to control my TV and a cheep replacement control will control everything including the converter box. I could not find a converter with the analog pass through and the Big Box electronic companies seem to not know much about the converter box.
I get the feeling that they want to convince you that you need a new TV.
There is still much misinformation out there. The local Radio Shack is the only place that really knew about the converters and digital TV.

[ginnava]

Has anyone done a survey on The Best Digital Converter Box to buy? I plan to buy one... but don't know which one to get.
I saw that Walmart has the cheapest one... Is it that good or should I pay a little bit more and get a better one?

[Christine McMeans]

I found a portable television 8".4" LCD Digital ATSC TV Model # LCD84ATSC for $324.99 at http://www.lcddigital.tv/8

It comes with a free battery box, adapter, attachable battery pack or car cord that connects to any cigarette lighter.

It is the only digital portable TV I can find. Has anyone purchased one of these

[Francisco]

I tried to return the two boxes I bought from Walmart, and they didn't want refund the amount I pay on taxes. The boxes were $49.87, plus %7 tax in Rhode Island, which equated 106.98. They only wanted to give me $20 back and not $26.98 refund. Has someone try to return they the DTV converters?

[Amanda F.]

We got our converter box from walmart, and expected to hook it up to our antenna and it work, but there's NO SIGNAL at all! We live way out (where you can't get dsl or cable or any of that good stuff) are we just not going to be able to get anything or what!? Someone plese let me know! Thanks!

[moe]

Good luck finding any with pass thru yet. I went out looking for the Zenith and they were no where to be found, so bought the Insignia brand. After hooking it up and looking at all the specs and pics, it is the exact same box and remote as the Zenith.

[John Morrison]

I know I'm not alone with my 4 tv's all hooked up to cable, but payed extra for only one to be digital (with the box). I was planning to wait until 2-09 to decide whether to spring for a new HDTV (without a box), or plunge in and replace all four tv's or a combination of boxes. The $40.00 coupon(s) sounded like a good idea until I read your article. Not only is the supply limited, but comes with a 90 day exp date. In addition it is only good for equipment on an approved list through retailers that won't give a refund if you purchase something you don't need. What am I missing? I guess I need to decide now. This should not be this difficult. I smell a scam.

[Gloria Schmutzer]

We purchased the Magnavox digital set top converter at KMart. Don't bother buying it. There is no way to control the volume with the remote that comes with it. We tried to return it to KMart and found out that there are no refunds. You cannot even get your $13 back and they only carry the Magnavox brand.

[Mike]

Before someone else repeats the advice about using a battery to power a converter for a battery-powered analog TV, someone should try it. In many places where an analog signal is good enough to be useful in an emergency for a battery-powered TV (with some noise in the sound and picture), you will get NO sound or picture from a digital signal. Even in strong signal areas, the small antenna on a battery-powered TV may not be good enough to get anything.

[MikeB]

I have one tv that is an hdtv connected to a hd cable box, my other two tv's are analog and are connected via cable only, no digital cable boxes. Cable Co. says I must rent 2 more hd cbl boxes ($13/mth). Can I avoid renting the boxes if I buy 2 new digital ready TVs & simply plug the cable in?

[Bert]

A few folks are wondering if there are 'battery-powered' converter boxes or what to do if the AC power goes out and there's a battery-powered tv available.
A low-power inverter (DC to AC) will work in this case. Keep a car-type 'emergency-start' battery charged up for this purpose (or any other 12v portable requirement).

[val camilletti]

Just hooked up the magnavox to my Sony Wega with indoor antenna - all channels look super, except can't get Channel 2 (cbs) AT ALL.
Before hooking up converter, the picture on 2 was awful, but there was one - now it's gone. Tried to see if it was on some other channel number, but can't find a thing.

Any ideas? Thanks for your patience.

[PAUL]

What about people who rely on battery powered tvs in the event of a power outage? How do they access htv? Are there portable battery powered units? Thanks.

[Mary]

Got my coupons and now can't find an analog pass thru box and the expiration date is early June. I need the analog because I live in an area that uses low power transmitters to boost signals from out of the area - they will not switch to digital in 2009 and are not sure yet when they will. Also the more I read the more confused I get as issues such as closed caps and other things get coverage on complaint pages. We need guidance and soon!