TV Digital Converter Box January 21, 2008, 09:04:29 am Yahoo Message Number: 88643For off-the-air (not satellite or cable) TV reception, a TV converter box may be needed next year for RVs & homes.It is not needed for newer TVs with a digital (ATSC) tuner. It is required for all older TVs and newer TVs that do not have a digital tuner. Several years ago, even Flat Panel HD-TVs were sold "Digital Ready" that did not have the ATSC digital tuner. All recent TVs were Federally mandated to have a digital tuner in addition the older analog (NTSC) tuner. Note that even if we have a TV with a digital tuner, our VCRs will require a separate TV converter box. Federal Government is offering each household two $40 coupons to be applied to the purchase of the box.Send in for coupons. "https://www.dtv2009.gov/"https://www.-dtv2009.gov/Looks like they will be available at Wal Mart. "http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8283870#Specifications "http://www.walmart.-com/catalog/-product.do?-product_id=-8283870#Specific-a tions Number of coupons issued are somewhat limited and expire within 90 days of issuing.Glen 2000 SOBNo virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.7/1232 - Release Date: 1/18/2008 7:32 PM[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #1 – January 21, 2008, 11:06:22 am Yahoo Message Number: 88646"Federal Government is offering each household two $40 coupons to be applied to the purchase of the box."I cannot see spending much to make an old analog TV receive digital signals. LCD TVs are getting cheaper and better everyday so it may be a good time to consider upgrading.Larry
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #2 – January 21, 2008, 01:33:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88651"I cannot see spending much to make an old analog TV receive digital signals. LCD TVs are getting cheaper and better everyday..." In general I agree, but people who have a 2005-2007 Lazy Daze with a nice LCD TV already installed might well want to convert it--especially if the cost was minimal--rather than throw away a nearly new TV.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #3 – January 21, 2008, 06:04:43 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88662Exactly my dilema. If you recall, they started at least with the MB
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #4 – January 21, 2008, 07:08:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88667Quote Exactly my dilema. If you recall, they started at least with the MB in the 2004 models. Mine was an early 04 unit and one of the first with the 15" Sharp LCDTV on the articulated arm. I was able to find a 12V dvd player so I don't need an inverter for most things. I do have a 150W inverter. I expect it will be difficult to find an 12V digital receiver but did order two coupons. I have located a couple of 19" HDTV's that at least have a 12V power supply but haven't bought one yet. FWIW: Jack in snowy Reno-8" so far at the house this storm The Winegard digital receiver, widely advertised by Camping World, for $169, does run on 12v directly (although winegard does not officially support running it that way) I have mine plugged in the 12V outlet normally next to the TV. It is very small and is just stuck up on the top shelf above the TV. The 15 inch sharp has component video inputs, so you can get the best possible quality out of the Sharp. Someday I will replace the TV with a digital unit, but the outboard receiver works okay for now. Ironically, the Winegard receiver is not amongst the models qualifying for the government $40 rebate, but it is more than $40 less than the models that do. Go figure.-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #5 – January 21, 2008, 08:28:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88672"The Winegard digital receiver, widely advertised by Camping World, for $169... is not amongst the models qualifying for the government $40 rebate, but it is more than $40 less than the models that do." Dunno which models you were looking at, Jack, but Magnavox's TB100MW9 is approved, and Wal-Mart sells it for $49.95... so it would cost less than ten bucks with the coupon. Other manufacturers such as Philco, LD and Phillips have similar models priced at around $50-$60. Now, maybe the Winegard unit you mentioned has special features that the low-end models don't (e.g., component video outputs), but one certainly doesn't have to pay $170+ to get an approved digital converter, as your post implied.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #6 – January 22, 2008, 12:56:28 am Yahoo Message Number: 88684QuoteI cannot see spending much to make an old analog TV receive digital signals. LCD TVs are getting cheaper and better everyday so it may be a good time to consider upgrading. Actually, only very recently has it been common for ATSC and sometimes QAM tuners to be installed on moderate-priced tv's. Our 13" LCD is well-integrated into our LD and has only an NTSC tuner. At home, our 42" DLP HD set cost $2400 a few years back, and has only an analog tuner also. For most consumers, off-air reception is rarely needed, so manufacturers were slow to add digital tuners except in the top-of-the-line models. Today you can buy a 19" HD model for around $200, WITH the ATSC tuner. It's a no-brainer to go that route if you are replacing an old crt model - not so clear cut if you have a really nice newer set.Steve
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #7 – January 22, 2008, 02:09:35 am Yahoo Message Number: 88686On Jan 22, 2008, at 1:56, aq433 wrote: QuoteActually, only very recently has it been common for ATSC and sometimes QAM tuners to be installed on moderate-priced tv's. On March 1st 2007 it became illegal for a dealer to SELL any TV that did not have an ATSC tuner in it. Most manufacturers were compliant with the rule long before that date of course, but inventories may have trickled through until March-1.
Re: TV Digital Converter Box Reply #8 – January 22, 2008, 09:48:49 am Yahoo Message Number: 88691On Tue, 22 Jan 2008, Dave Gingrich wrote:QuoteOn March 1st 2007 it became illegal for a dealer to SELL any TV that did not have an ATSC tuner in it. Most manufacturers were compliant with the rule long before that date of course, but inventories may have trickled through until March-1. This is not 100% true. As of March 1st, 2007 the manufacture, import and interstate shipment of TV's without ATSC tuners became illegal. The sale of these units was never forbidden so existing inventory could be sold. You can still find these units for sale on the internet although sellers are required to included a notice saying it does not include an ATSC tuner. Let the buyer beware!Rich Gort 2000 MB Birch Bay, WA