Digital to Analog TV Tuner/Converter Information

And for the others, you are probably getting only snow on your favorite channels. So, does this mean you should throw away that little kitchen TV with the rabbit ears or the old TV in the third bedroom? Well not necessarily. There are several low priced digital to analog converters on the market now and the government has been issuing $40 coupons for credit on approved converters. Many of these converters cost has little as $40. So even if you don’t have a coupon, that extra TV might just be worth saving.

• The government coupons are only good for 90 days.

• There is a limit of two $40 coupons per family.

• The coupons are only good for converters. You can’t purchase a DVR/tuner or HDTV tuner with the coupon.

• You must use the coupon (it's actually a plastic card) at the time of purchase. You CANNOT buy a converter and then get a rebate later when the card comes.

• You can use your rebate card to purchase a converter locally, or online at authorized websites. If you buy online, you will be asked for the number on the rebate card at checkout.

• When using a converter, you will not get HDTV on your old TV, but you might get a clearer picture because there will be no snow or ghosts.

• These converters cannot be used to get HD even to your HDTV. They are for meant for use with old analog TV only.

• If you already have an outside antenna or a good indoor antenna, you don't need to buy a so-called “HDTV/Digital” antenna. Any existing TV antenna can receive digital signals. However, I would suggest you get a good indoor antenna if you are currently using "rabbit ears".

• If the TV you want to convert had a snowy picture before, you may need a better antenna. Digital TV either works or it doesn’t. A weak signal on a digital tuner will get you no picture instead of a snowy picture. Here's a way to check your situation, go to this site , select “choose an antenna”, and enter your zip code. If the digital stations you want to receive (the ones with the “.1” after the station number) are not in the yellow or green designation more than likely you will need an outdoor or attic antenna. Otherwise a indoor antenna will probably work. Get more information on indoor antennas here.
  
  
• If you have an older TV without the red/white/yellow composite connectors, make sure the converter has a "RF out". You will use a cable to connect the TV to the converter and then set the TV on channel 3 or 4, like the old VCR's.

• A good remote is important since you will no longer be using the TV's remote for tuning stations. Make sure the converter remote looks solid and that the buttons are easy to use.

IF YOU PLAN TO ORDER ONLINE

There are many brands of converters on the market these days. Many of the best ones are sold out or only available as used. Of the ones still on the market, here are my recommendations:

First, the Channel Master CM-7000, which has excellent reception and includes S-video connectivity:

Second, the Philco TB100HH9

Remember, prices do not reflect the $40 coupon discount. That will be credited at checkout.

or the Antennas Direct DB2 if you only have UHF digital stations.

Check out THIS PAGE if you don't know what channels your digital stations are using.

For more information on the government coupon program, go here.

For more Question and answer information, go here.