Analog to Digital TV Conversion - Comments Page 3

How do you update your dvr to reflect digital channels (6.1) vs. analog channels (6)? I am hoping that I do not understand one of the comments correctly, and that it is possible.

EDITOR'S NOTE: My guess is that these channels would have a "normal" number, just somewhere else in the list. ie: 361, 362, etc.

Two questions, please:

(1) If we use a converter box after the changeover with our present analog TV, will the picture quality probably be worse or about the same as it is now with analog TV and an outside antenna? As it is now, some of the channels we receive have a degraded signal due to distance and/or other interference.

(2) If we buy a new digital TV and use the same outside antenna, can we expect any better reception after the digital changeover? Thank you.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The FCC says your signal should be better. Others say your mileage will vary.

Can I still use my old Analog TV with a Digital Conversion box with an outside antenna and receive free TV?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, that's the gist of the article.

It seems that most TV commercials and websites discussing the analog-to-digital conversion begin with something similar to: "If you own a television that has an analog tuner which uses an over-the-air antenna, and do not have cable or satellite service, you will need a converter box".

It seems that the following would be a little more accurate and informative: "If you own a television that has an analog tuner which uses an over-the-air antenna and do not have cable or satellite service, or do not own a device such as a VCR with a built-in digital tuner, you WILL need a converter box".

However, since many households will still have more analog TVs than VCRs or other devices with digital tuners, it may still be worth applying for a coupon if it means getting the converter for little to no cost. In any case, there will soon be thousands of discarded converter boxes available as older TVs are replaced.

We've got analog TVs and receive basic reception through a cable (antennas don't work here). Our understanding is that our provider will do the digital conversion when the time comes. However, they (Time-Warner, whose customer service leaves a lot to be desired) insist we still need a converter box. Likewise the local retailers, but I'm sure they just want to make sales. We're not sure what to believe. We've applied for the coupons anyway but haven't received them yet. Can anyone help us with this?

EDITOR'S NOTE: It's important to note that the FCC is NOT requiring cable TV providers to switch to digital -- only over-the-air broadcasts. So I think the local retailers (and probably the TW reps) are wrong. However, it's possible that Time Warner is transitioning from analog to digital as well. If so, that would be a DIFFERENT converter, usually called a set-top box. And Time Warner would provide that for you. My advice, wait until TW notifies you by mail that you need such a device.

If an analog TV is set up to receive broadcast signals thru a VCR, can a single converter box at the VCR be used, or would this arrangement require separate boxes for the VCR and TV?

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have a your antenna connected to the VCR, and the VCR connected to the TV (in series) then I think only one converter would be needed.

In Orlando Florida Brighthouse moved our local government channels (which are cable only - not broadcast) to Ch 198 & 199. Since most TV's - even new High Def TV's - don't go that high everyone needs to obtain a set top box from them. This is the result of the State removing local government regulation of the local cable company's. So the massive announcements that you don't have to worry if you have cable tv are simply not true in some cases. IE: if you are not already paying for a set top box and the cable company does some fancy foot work.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That really has nothing to do with the Analog to Digital switchover. Your cable company might still be broadcasting those channels in analog, even though they have high channel numbers.

I am still confused as to whether I can record with my vcr after the change. It looks like I can not set the vcr ahead of time to record when I am not there. When can I record?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I think you can use the timer, but you may not be able to select a channel. One solution: select the channel manually. Not so good if you want to record multiple programs on different channels, though.

Just wondering if you can run two tvs off one box somehow? O are separate boxes required?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I've not tried it, but I assume a Y-splitter would work fine.

While all of the reasons I've heard seem valid and it may even be more efficient, I still can't help beleiving that our government doesn't have an alternate reason for which we may never know. I have several theories; paranoid as they may be, but hey: They've done worse and I wouldn't put much anything past this administration.