Analog to Digital TV Converter Boxes?

Question

In Feb. 2009 when TV signals go all digital and we no longer can use our TVs with standard inputs and tuners without a digital-to-analog converter box, how do these devices work as far as multiple devices?

Will we need one converter box for each device (TV, VCR, etc.) or can one converter box be used to feed a signal into both devices so you can watch one program and record another?

Answer 1

The common converter boxes (the cheap ones eligible for the $40 off coupons starting in Jan 08) can only tune into one channel at a time.

If you wanted to record one channel on your old VCR while watching another "live" channel, you would need two converter boxes.

You can purchase DVD recorders (starting at $140 at Walmart) that include an ATSC digital tuner. A more flexible setup would be to use one of these as your main recording device, and run a converter box through your old VCR and into your TV. This would give you the ability to either record one channel while watching another, or recording two channels at the same time.

For around $200 (at Walmart) you can buy a DVD recorder with ATSC tuner that uses DVD-RAM disks. These can function like a (very) small DVR. You can record one program while "chasing" that program, like you can with a TIVO, or watch another program that was previously recorded on the DVD while recording another onto the same disk.

Starting at about $238 (at Walmart) you can buy a DVD/hard drive recorder with an ATSC tuner, which can record a lot of TV.

(In the first & last examples, I would recommend spending a bit more, $200 & $300, for models with better reviews, for discussions on different models see last link)

Answer 2

At this time, not much has been revealed about these devices, but right now, it looks like a separate box for each TV, VCR Etc. The government is going to issue two $40 certificates to each family requesting them with additional help for the poor. Whether you'll be able to receive the digital signals will depend on your location. Most are in the UHF band which has lower range than VHF. Also, in some locales, the antennas are spread out all over the place requiring either an antenna rotator or multiple antennas.

Answer 3

The best way to answer your question is to let you know that when we change-over to Digital TV in 2009, the now current "Analog" broadcasting will cease. This means any analog Televisions in your home will only give you a picture if your purchase (or rent) a digital to analog tuner box (whether over-the-air or cable) As we all know, satellite TV is "Already" digital and you are required to buy/rent their "Box" to convert the picture back to "analog" anyhow.
For every show you want to watch or record, your will need a seperate "Tuner" for each (Just like today's satellite service) It is likely the manufacturer of these new digital to analog boxes will build in 2 tuners for consumers convenience, which would allow your to watch one tv show while the "Other" tuner is being used to record another. Good luck! Dan Home theatre Manager 15 Years

Answer 4

Everything will work the same but you will need a digital box to each tv in order to watch tv, and for the other question it all depends the way you hook everything up.

Answer 5

ONE box for EACH unit....unless you like recording what you're watching....

But who knows.....MAYBE they'll develop an ATSC VCR or DVD recorder.....

But I doubt they'll develop a HI DEF unit, only one that records Low Def....The movie studios have been real pricky about HD recordings....