2007-12-07 07:36:30 · 8 answers · asked by donmwm4u 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
You only need a converter box if you are getting your TV through broadcast over the airwaves. If you are getting it through cable or satellite, you don't have to do anything.
If you are getting tv from over the air broadcast, go with the converter box. The gov't is going to subsidize them so it will only cost you $10 or $20 for one.
2007-12-07 08:23:46 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Pennybags 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how much money you have to spend or how much credit you want to incur to keep watching TV. Also depends on if you want to see a better picture with a HDTV.
Adding a converter box to an existing TV is like adding a DVD player to that TV. It gave you something better to watch than analog TV with all of its snow, static, and ghosting.
Adding a converter box will cost less than $90 especially if you get the $40 off coupon (two per family in the US and wait till that coupon can be processed - probably by April 2009 at some locations). It also means you do not need to replace your existing TV, haul it off for recycling, move the nick nacks and pictures you have around it and so on.
You only need a converter box in the US if you watch TV via an antenna and do not get your TV stations from low power stations and repeater sites. Those low power stations and repeater sites account for over 7000 stations in some remote markets. All such stations will change eventually in the US but only the high power stations will go on February 18, 2009. The rest will follow as soon as the FCC assigns them a digital channel.
For cable and satellite viewers you get to hold out until 2012. Then you will need a converter for that analog TV But if you rent it from the company that sells you cable or satellite you probably will not have to buy it.
On the other hand if you get a digital TV (SDTV, EDTV or HDTV) and you get the right connections you will be set for the future. If the ATSC tuner is built in that is all you need for the antenna. If the QAM tuner is built in you might be able to pick up some cable channels without a cable box but might need to authorize it with a cable card device using a code from your cable company.
HDTV sets on cable and satellite mean you need a HD box from those companies. Exception is QAM and ATSC tuners on some cable systems as noted above. And for the box you need a HDMI cable or a Component Video plus Stereo Audio cable hookup.
HDTV gives better pictures but costs more. And not all programs will be HD by the deadline for TV via antenna. Maybe they will by 2012 if we are lucky.
2007-12-07 08:06:57 · answer #2 · answered by Broadcast Engineer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in case you have a cable provider alongside with Comcast, Cox or Time Warner, you will no longer would desire to purchase a converter field. an identical is going for satellite tv for pc subscribers. in case you have rabbit ears or an outdoor antenna put in, then you somewhat would want a converter field. The digital transition has no longer something to do with cable, so it shouldn't sparkling up the project of human beings stealing it.
2016-11-14 00:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treat yourself to a new digital TV (LCD if you can afford it) and DONATE the old one while it still has tax-writeoff value. It's better to deal with less components...more things to dust.
Be sure not to get the 'digital-ready' TV or you will be in the same situation...make sure it comes with the digital broadcast receiver.
2007-12-07 08:56:17 · answer #4 · answered by Ken F 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a new one. thats like having a vcr or a dvd player. you are really gonna want to get rid of the thing in a year or 2 if you get a converter box so i would just spring for a new tv because you'll wanna buy one eventually anyway.
2007-12-07 07:40:32 · answer #5 · answered by sam 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If you have cable or satellite you do not need a HDTV tuner. The only time you will need one is if you have a set top or roof top VHF/UHF antenna. Of course, your older tv cannot display HD signals, so you won't get the fine details, but you will still get the picture. Get the picture? LOL That's funny!!
2007-12-07 07:42:35 · answer #6 · answered by kuntryguyy 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
new one and new converter box
got a new TV on 12-5 and my box will come any day.
picture is okay, but will be great soon.
2007-12-07 07:43:42 · answer #7 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
For converting what? specify full question...
2007-12-07 07:40:53 · answer #8 · answered by abhishelk 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋