Choosing the Digital TV Converter Box Option

If you are considering purchasing a Digital TV converter box instead of cable, dish satellite, or a new television then you have found the right place. In this post we will go over very specific details related to digital converters in order to help you make a final decision about how you want handle the digital transition.

What is the cost for a Digital TV Converter Box?

Digital converter boxes generally cost between $50-$75 but can be well over $100 if you buy a top of the line Digital TV converter. If you use a coupon from the government sponsored TV converter box coupon program you can get $40 off and reduce the cost to roughly $10-$30.

When will Digital TV converters be available for sale?

TV converter boxes will be available at general electronics stores at the beginning of 2008. When shopping for an Analog Digital converter it is best to check with the retailer beforehand to make sure they are selling them.

What does it mean when you hear that a Digital TV converter box is "eligible"?

For a DTV converter box to be eligible it must meet certain performance standards that have been set by the NTIA. Click here to see a list of all eligible TV Converter Boxes. The list is very long and as you can see there are many different manufactures that produce eligible converter boxes.

How big are most TV converter boxes?

Generally they are about the size of a medium sized hardback book and should fit on your entertainment system shelves or on top of your TV.

If I get a TV converter box will I have to have someone come to my home to install it?

Having someone come to install your box shouldn't be necessary. Installation of your digital box should be very easy if you simply use the owner's manual that comes with your purchase. If you are having problems with your new analog digital converter box you should call your manufacturer about it. Do not call the NTIA or the government about it because they will not provide any technical support.

Can I use my analog digital converter box in conjunction with my cable box?

No! Digital converter boxes only work with free over-the-air digital broadcasts and are not compatible with cable or satellite. However if you have cable or satellite you should be able to continue using your analog TV without getting a digital-to-analog converter box.

If I have a small handheld TV will it work after February 17th, 2009?

Nearly all, if not all, hand held televisions run off of the old analog TV signals so they will not work after the DTV transition. Unfortunately, at this time there is not a TV converter box on the market that will work with a small analog TV. Without a digital to analog converter box your hand held TV will most likely become obsolete and worthless.

Can I begin using my TV converter box today or will I have to wait until after the digital broadcasting transition on February 17th, 2009?

Once you purchase your analog digital converter you can begin using it immediately. Most large television stations are already broadcasting in both analog and digital so using your digital TV converter box today should help you enjoy its benefits immediately. Switching to your digital converter boxes today should allow you to get a clearer picture and receive more channels.

Will my TV converter box allow me to get High-Definition TV (HDTV)?

No. Older analog television are unable to display HDTV type pictures. Currently there is no such thing as a HDTV converter box that allows someone to watch HDTV on their older analog TV. If you want to get HDTV you will need to upgrade to a new television and possibly get a hd converter box.

Well, that is all that we have for you today at our DTV converter boxes blog. If you are interested in any more information about a TV converter box please feel free to check out my other posts about digital TV converter box reviews.

If you have an older analog TV I suggest that you get an analog to digital converter box. A converter box is much cheaper than buying a analog digital TV (as low as $10) and it should provide you with a significantly better picture and more programming options. TV converter boxes are a great solution to the problems caused by the digital broadcasting transition and everyone should take advantage of the benefits of a digital converter.