Digital to Analog TV Tuner/Converter Information




So you're wondering what impact the analog to digital conversion will have on you. First, let’s clarify what will NOT change in February of 2009. If you have cable or satellite connections to all your TV’s, nothing changes. What WILL be affected are older TV’s that rely on antennas for their picture. They will get only snow after February using their current tuner. This is because the US government has mandated that all over-the-air TV signals will be digital effective February 17, 2009.

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 cheap digital to analog converters on the market now and the government is issuing $40 coupons for credit on approved converters.



THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COUPON

  • The government coupons are only good for 90 days, so wait until you are ready to purchase a converter before you request them.

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

  • You can apply for the coupon anytime before April 1, 2009. However there are a limited supply of coupons, so apply as soon as you can.

  • The coupons are only good for converters. You can’t purchase a DVR/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.


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONVERTER
  • 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, don’t go and buy a so-called “HDTV/Digital” antenna. Any existing TV antenna can receive digital signals.

  • If the TV you want to convert currently has a snowy picture, you may need a better antenna. Digital TV either works or it doesn’t. A weak signal will get you no picture instead of a snowy picture from a digital tuner. 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

I would suggest the Channel Master CM-7000 D2A Digital to Analog Converter Box with S-Video at $64.95 or $24.95 after coupon. It includes a s-video output should your TV have that connection, and it is a quality product from an established manufacturer.



If you have weak signals in your area, try the Sansonic FT-300A Digital to Analog Converter Box for $54.95 or $14.95 after coupon. It's better at picking up weaker signals than the average converter.



If you want perhaps the smallest converter on the market for that little portable TV or your RV, try the Winegard RC-DT09 Digital to Analog Converter Box Receiver at $59.95 or $19.95 after coupon.



The government is selling the ”freed” airwaves to private industry for use in making the internet accessible over the air and other uses including emergency services. The sale of the airwaves will generate billions in revenue for the government and hopefully allow many people without DSL or cable to have access to high speed internet. So this really is a good thing.

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

For more Q & A info, go here.

Typical Converter Box Setup

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