Digital Converter Box Review

Retailers accepting government coupons for digital converter box

2008-12-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

Area retailers are now accepting the federal government coupon for a digital converter box.

The coupon looks like a gift card and is worth forty dollars towards the purchase of a converter box.

The box will be needed for television sets using an antenna to get over the air broadcast signals.

In February 2009, stations like WEEK will be turning off their analogue signal and broadcasting only in digital.
The old analogue TV's need will need a converter box to decode the new digital signal.

"Just come into a store that sells these and we'll swipe your coupon like a gift card and then you'll have to pay the difference with cash or credit," said Jon Hopkins, a video and audio specialist at American Furniture-Electonics-Appliances.

Digital converter boxes start at $49.99.

Zenith DTT901 Digital TV Tuner Converter Box

2008-12-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Zenith Digital TV Tuner Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through,

PRODUCT FEATURES

Clear digital picture

On screen program information

More programs

Easy remote control

Simple connection to TVParental control

Advanced closed captioning

Analog pass-through

Energy efficient

Technical Details

Digital TV Tuner Coverter Box

Analog Pass-Through for Low-Power TV Stations broadcasts

On-Screen Program Information with Remote Control

Simple Connection to TV with supplied RF Cable

Parental Control to Manage TV Programs and advanced Closed Captioning

Customer Rating

This product was rated 4 out of 5 stars.

More information on the Zenith DTT901 Digital TV Tuner Converter Box

Why Do I Need A Digital Converter Box and What Is Digital TV?

2008-12-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

What Is Digital Television?

Digital Television (DTV) is an advanced broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. It can also offer multiple programming choices, called multicasting, and interactive capabilities.

Converting to DTV also will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as public and safety services (police and fire departments, emergency rescue), and advanced wireless services.
The Transition to Digital TV

TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses.

The Commission's digital tuner rule specifies that as of March 1, 2007, all new TVs must include digital tuners. This rule prohibits the manufacture, import, or interstate shipment of any device containing an analog tuner, unless it also contains a digital tuner. Despite this prohibition on manufacture and shipment, retailers may continue to sell analog-only devices from existing inventory. As a result, at the point of sale, many consumers may not be aware that this equipment will not be able to receive over-the-air-television signals after February 17, 2009.

To address this issue, the FCC has adopted a rule requiring sellers to display text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog broadcast tuner.

Analog TVs Will Need Additional Equipment to Receive Over-the-air Television When the DTV Transition Ends

Consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas and "rabbit ears") to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on analog TVs. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality.

Converter Box Coupon Program

Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). More information can be found at www.DTV2009.gov.