Readers chime in on digital converter boxes
I've heard from quite a few readers about today's Tech Test Drive column on digital television converters -- those little boxes that allow older analog TVs to pull in newfangled digital transmissions.
Those will be the only transmissions as of February, so those not wanting to buy fancy new TVs need to get one of the cheapo converters in order to keep watching all their local channels.
A few issues raised by readers:
Q. If I have an HD-ready flat-panel TV (that is, a widescreen high-definition TV without an integrated digital tuner) will I be able to see high-definition digital channels in actual, glorious HD via one of those converter boxes?
A. No, at least not with the converter Best Buy sent me for testing. I hooked up the converter to a high-definition TV and was able to see all the digital channels - but none of the HD channels were displayed in high definition via the box (though they did display in high definition via the TV's own integrated digital tuner).
You sound like a good candidate for digital, HD cable service via Comcast.
Q. I live outside the Twin Cities but want to pull in metro-area digital transmissions. Can I do so?
A. Possibly, depending just how far you are from the Twin Cities, and how good an antenna you have. Someone living in western Wisconsin might pull this off nicely with a decent, powered rooftop antenna, but not a simple indoor Radio Shack antenna like the one I tested.
Q. You said Comcast subscribers need to take no action, since the digital transition doesn't affect them. But Comcast reps are telling me otherwise.
A. Hmm, I checked with Comcast several times, and they emphasized that those using basic cable for years will still have basic cable after the transition (which involves those getting TV over the air, not via a cable connection). If someone at Comcast is telling you otherwise, don't be misled into spending cash on new equipment or services. If you want to do both cable and over-the-air TV, though, you do need a converter box.
Q. The converters are intended for old TVs, but my set is really, really (really) old. How old is too old?
A. I'm not sure about that, but I verified that a set from way back in 1984 would work just fine with my Best Buy box. Such older sets don't have audiovisual (or "composite") ports for plugging in red, white and yellow plugs. So we simply connected the set to the box with a coaxial cable.
Q. I can't get X converter at Y store. Why?
A. Availability varies this early in the game. Though all converters cited in my column are listed on the vendors' Web sites, physical availability at stores will fluctuate wildly. Keep checking.
Q. I can't get X or Y digital channel with my setup.
A. Performance will vary. Some residents of downtown St. Paul, for instance, have trouble getting some stations (though I had little trouble at the Pioneer Press in downtown St. Paul). If you don't get the results you want, try a better indoor or outdoor antenna. In a high-rise condo, for instance, you can try installing an antenna on your outdoor balcony instead of using an indoor model.
Q. Do I have options other than a digital converter box or a new TV with an integrated digital tuner?
A. Yes. Some DVD recorders have built-in digital tuners, too. This means you don't need a standalone digital converter, but the coupons the federal government is sending out to defray the cost of converters likely won't apply to the DVD recorders.
I recently bought a DVD recorder without a digital tuner (I already have one in my HDTV), but I saw several models on Target and Best Buy shelves that do incorporate ATSC tuners.
Q. I haven't received my federal coupons. Sheesh. What's up with that?
A. A few readers alerted me to the fact that the fed apparently haven't started sending out the coupons yet, so please be patient. I'm waiting for my coupons, too, so I can get my own converter (the one I used for my column is a Best Buy loaner).
Q. So, do I need coupons before I go to buy my converter, in order to get this discount? Or can I get a converter now, and snag the discount later?
A. With most retailers, likely the former (and in person, at a store; online orders aren't an option with most retailers).
Q. Hey, don't those coupons expire?
A. Yep, once you get them, you have three months to use them. So, if you're not in a hurry to get a converter, don't request coupons that will just sit around and eventually expire.
But my Best Buy converter is so cheap and worked so well that I'd advise acting now, as soon as you get your coupons in the mail. You'll get more and better-looking TV than what you have via analog.
Q. Where can I see a complete digital-channel listing or grid?
A. This site has one.
