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About Rick Montgomery
Expertise
Most questions about 1970's-1980's audio equipment. Most 1980's -1990's VCR's and VCR combo's. Most 1980's-1990's car audio, except original equipment. I know name brand after-market such as Kenwood, Pioneer, JVC, and some Sony. I am not so good with TV's, DVD's or camcorders. I do not work on Projection TV sets at all. I also have no access to documebntation for sets outside of the United States.

Experience
Professional Electronics Technician since 1975, specializing in most audio, home, portable and car. Also all VCR's. Limited TV knowledge. No projection TV experience

Organizations
Through work, NESDA.

Publications
n/a

Education/Credentials
High School. Graduated with 2 yrs Vocational Electronics in High School.

Awards and Honors
Certificates of completion of factory training seminars for various brands

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of customers to the Service Centers I have worked for.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > TV/VCR/Stereo Troubleshooting > digital converter box

TV/VCR/Stereo Troubleshooting - digital converter box

Expert: Rick Montgomery - 11/6/2009

Question
i have an extra tv not hooked up to to my dish network. if i buy a digital converter box:

1. Are they universal (will the box will fit any tv) or does the make of the tv matter?

2. Do the boxes contain antennas (internal or otherwise) or do i have to purchase rabbit ears as well?

Thanks,

Max

Answer
Hi Max,
The digital converter boxes come in more types than most people realize. Allow me to answer your questions as well as make a few suggestions.
A digital converter box works very similar to the FM converters we bought for our cars in the mid '70's to early '80's. The FM converters took the FM band of 88 to 108 MHz, and converted it to an AM signal that you picked up at approx 1400 on your AM dial.
Likewise, today's digital converters convert the new TV frequencies to either VHF channel 3 or 4, or straight to audio/video signals through RCA jacks (as you would use to hookup a DVD or VCR). There are some that have a "pass through" feature that allows another antenna source, such as a satellite or cable to pass through the converter when it is powered off. And no, none of the converters I have seen include any form of antenna. You will need a good pair of rabbit ears minimum, or an outside rooftop antenna for best results. Check with neighbors or a reputable Service Center to assure that local channels are available in your area. If you decide to use rabbit ears, be sure to buy a digital converter with a built in signal strength meter. This will allow you to adjust the antenna for best signal, and minimize those annoying, several second dropouts. All of the converters I have seen work with virtually any set, from the oldest ones to the newest standard definition models.
I hope this helps you.
regards,
Rick

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