Posted 2008-03-08 11:57 AM (#79008 - in reply to #79006) Subject: RE: TV goes digital
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Any one with a cable or dish system will be ok. A converter will be necessary for anyone using a conventional antenna system. It has been estimated they will be aprox $50. The only recourse would be to purchase a replacement HD TV.
I have yet to see a 12V HD TV and have not found any in the electronics stores. I would think that with the large RV and marine markets, they will soon be available.
Posted 2008-03-08 11:46 PM (#79061 - in reply to #79006) Subject: RE: TV goes digital
Expert
Posts: 2828
Location: Southern New Mexico
You can order a coupon for a free converter box. I saw it on line, I'll have to see if I can find the link again but you can try searching for digital tv coupon or something like that.
Posted 2008-03-09 10:32 AM (#79079 - in reply to #79006) Subject: RE: TV goes digital
Veteran
Posts: 250
Location: AL
Will you still need the antenna with the converter box? Do they work together? Sorry, not too smart when it comes to this stuff. I see how the converter box helps when you are with cable, etc... but not sure how I understand how a converter box helps with just the TV & antenna when you are out on the road.
Posted 2008-03-09 11:02 AM (#79082 - in reply to #79006) Subject: RE: TV goes digital
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
If you have a signal that is supplied by a cable or satellite TV company, their signal will work on your non HDTV.
If you have a conventional antenna, the new signal that it will receive will not be compatible with your present non HDTV. It will need a converter to change the new signals into a recognizable format that will work on the older TVs. As was mentioned, coupons are available from the government for the approximate cost of the converter.
If you are using a conventional TV in your LQ, you will have the same problems and be subjected to the same ramifications as your home TV.
Posted 2008-03-09 11:06 AM (#79083 - in reply to #79079) Subject: RE: TV goes digital
Expert
Posts: 1989
Location: South Central OK
The converter box converts the signal down to your TV from a digital signal, think of it like the black AC converter boxes on power-cords. Your antenna receives the signal, which then will need to be converted so that your non-digital TV can read it and produce images and sound.
I believe that every household can sign up for 2 free converter boxes. You need to get on that website pronto!
The industry isn't in a rush to release converter boxes because they want you to buy newer TV's...thankfully for the public they were forced to push back the original date for the transition. Really sad thing is that the cheaper "new" TV's on the market still will need the converter boxes and those consumers have no idea that they just spent $700 on a new flatscreen that isn't equipped to handle the new technology!
If you have specific questions I can forward them on to my father and brother which work in the telecom industry and run a home theatre business on the side. It's best not to ask a salesman, but someone who can give you honest information about what you will/won't be needing for the conversion. (You don't take horse advice for someone selling you a horse either.)
Posted 2008-03-09 11:43 AM (#79089 - in reply to #79006) Subject: RE: TV goes digital
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714
Location: Minnesota
gard- not to be a nit picker, but it is digital format that is needed not Hi Def. Most TV's sold in the last five years are already in digital mode. Not sure about the 12 volt models , but owners manual would tell you.