- In this report
- Overview
- Buy a converter box?
- Subscribe to cable TV?
- Buy a digital video recorder?
- Buy a new HDTV?
- More DTV resources
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
Option 1: DTV converter boxes
The least expensive way to get digital TV signals
If you are a cost-conscious consumer and are basically happy with your existing analog TV and reception, the change to digital TV transmissions in June 2009 doesn't necessarily mean a costly or painful switch.
The least expensive option is to purchase a digital converter box. The box is plugged in between your antenna and your television set and works by converting the digital signal into an analog signal that your television can display. The quality of your reception might be greatly improved by digital signals, but there is also a chance that poor reception will get worse. Once you’ve hooked up the converter box, if the digital signal is giving you an image worse than your original setup, try a new antenna before you buy a new TV. If that still doesn’t give you what you want, return the box and the antenna and try one of the other options.
Buying Advice
The least expensive option is to purchase a digital converter box. The box is plugged in between your antenna and your television set and works by converting the digital signal into an analog signal that your television can display. The quality of your reception might be greatly improved by digital signals, but there is also a chance that poor reception will get worse. Once you’ve hooked up the converter box, if the digital signal is giving you an image worse than your original setup, try a new antenna before you buy a new TV. If that still doesn’t give you what you want, return the box and the antenna and try one of the other options.
Buying Advice
- Converter boxes should be available at major discount and electronics retailers in early 2008. A basic box should sell for
about $60.
- Get a rebate coupon to offset the cost of a basic converter box. Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, the federal government
is offering a $40 converter box coupon (two per household).The coupon cannot be used for an antenna or any other peripheral
and will expire 90 days after it is issued. There are no eligibility requirements; just call 888-DTV-2009 or go to www.DTV.gov
and provide your name and address. Note that the number of coupons is large but not unlimited and that they will be given
on a first come, first served basis.
- If you need to replace or upgrade your antenna, information on coverage and options is available at Antennaweb.org. The coupon
cannot be applied to this purchase.
- Beware of bundling. Retailers might also package antennas, boxes, and services that will end up costing you more than you
planned to spend. Our advice is to skip the bundles and try the basic converter box first.
