Digital-to-Analog Converter Questions

[jfine]

These questions are from having to buy the Digital-to-Analog Converter box when they stop broadcasting analog. I currently have a large roof antenna that pulls HD channels in nicely on a new set that has HD/digital tuner built in.

This is for the tv's in my house that are older that need the Digital-to-Analog Converter box.

1) Do most or all of these Digital-to-Analog Converter boxes pull or receive/decode HD channels (or however you put that)? As I dont fully understand HD, it seems like just another digital broadcast that must be converted to analog, so it would seem all the boxes should do it. If I am getting HD now on my new TV, the boxes should pull them too using the same antenna, right?

2) When turned off, these boxes should just pass the signal for current analog stations. Do they or is there a bypass somehow?

3) Do these boxes differ in how strong the tuner pulls in the signal? In other words, how can I find a brand name box specs that will help me decide how well the signal will be pulled or decoded? I know some of my TV's seem to have a better picture under the same circumstances that have to do with tuner or signal strength. Or all these boxes just a converter and nothing else?

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[radiotvnut]

Originally Posted by jfine

These questions are from having to buy the Digital-to-Analog Converter box when they stop broadcasting analog. I currently have a large roof antenna that pulls HD channels in nicely on a new set that has HD/digital tuner built in.

This is for the tv's in my house that are older that need the Digital-to-Analog Converter box.

1) Do most or all of these Digital-to-Analog Converter boxes pull or receive/decode HD channels (or however you put that)? As I dont fully understand HD, it seems like just another digital broadcast that must be converted to analog, so it would seem all the boxes should do it. If I am getting HD now on my new TV, the boxes should pull them too using the same antenna, right?

2) When turned off, these boxes should just pass the signal for current analog stations. Do they or is there a bypass somehow?

3) Do these boxes differ in how strong the tuner pulls in the signal? In other words, how can I find a brand name box specs that will help me decide how well the signal will be pulled or decoded? I know some of my TV's seem to have a better picture under the same circumstances that have to do with tuner or signal strength. Or all these boxes just a converter and nothing else?

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1. The garden variety boxes that can be bought with the Gov't coupon will take the digital signal out of the air and convert it into an analog signal that can be received by your old TV. Just because the signal is digital does not mean it is HD. The signal can be transmitted in digital; but, still be standard definition (SD). The box should be able to take a digital HD or SD signal and convert it to a regular analog SD signal for your old set. You should be able to use your same rooftop antenna.

2. Some boxes have analog pass through and some do not. That information should be on the box if it has analog pass through. You should also be able to find information on the internet and here concerning which boxes offer analog pass through.

3. From what I'm reading, the Insignia or Zenith (same box except for name) have better sensitivity than the slightly cheaper boxes. My Digitalstream box from Radio Shack seems to be pretty sensitive and will bring in the PBS stations 35+ miles away. Again, I'm sure you can find information on the internet and on this forum concerning which boxes are more sensitive.