All About Digital TV Converter Boxes

Snapshot:

• A DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX ("converter box") lets you watch DIGITAL TV channels on older TVs.

• You need a converter box to watch TV if your TV gets local TV stations with an ANTENNA.  And you still need an ANTENNA with a converter box.
  

• Converter boxes cost from $40 to $70 to own, and they don't need any subscription.

• The U.S. Government is offering $40 coupons for the purchase of a converter box.
  

• Some converter models have a feature called "analog pass-through."  If you use an antenna to watch any "low power" US TV stations or translator stations, or Canadian or Mexican TV stations, you should look for a converter box with this feature.
  

•  Converter boxes are selling quickly.  Before visiting a store, call ahead to make sure they have converter boxes in stock.

• Get your converter box now.  Enjoy free, digital TV reception with new channels before the 2009 analog channel shutoff.

• To learn how to connect a converter box to a TV or VCR, click here.
  

What is a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX?   A DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX (also called a "converter box," or just a "converter") is a small electronic device that lets viewers watch local digital TV channels on older, ANALOG-only TV sets, with an ANTENNA.  It has the electronics of a TV, but no TV screen or sound system.  It uses the TV screen and loudspeakers on the older TVs.  

Who needs a converter box?  Anyone in the US who has a traditional, analog TV that is not connected to a subscription video service like CABLE TV or SATELLITE TV and who wants to watch the new local digital TV channels on that TV with an antenna needs a converter box.  Even homes with cable TV or satellite TV may have additional TV sets that use antenna reception only, and they will need converter boxes for those TV sets. 

What does a converter box do?  A converter box receives digital TV channels with an antenna, tunes in a selected digital channel, changes the digital TV picture and sound to a format that that older TVs can display, and sends the signal to the older TV through the TV antenna input or an accessory input, called a "LINE INPUT."  A converter box has a remote control for changing channels and controlling other functions.  Simple converter boxes have digital tuners only, and are used just to receive digital channels.  Higher end converter boxes can include features like a DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER (DVR). 

What will I see on my older TV with a converter box?  Since the converter box is receiving a high quality digital signal, you should get great pictures and sound on your older TV.  The quality will be limited by the quality of your TV's picture and sound system.  (You will not see HDTV programs in HDTV quality; you need a high definition TV to receive and display true HDTV.)

Digital programs that are transmitted in a traditional "4:3" TV shape will fill your TV screen and look great.  HIGH DEFINITION TV (HDTV) programs are transmitted in a WIDESCREEN, movie-like shape.  This shape is wider than traditional TV shows, so these can be watched several ways. You can choose to see all of the program, reduced in size to fit onto your older TV screen, but there will be empty "bars" on the top and bottom of the picture.  Otherwise, converter boxes have a "zoom" or "aspect" function you can select, and this will show the center portion of an HD program, and the picture will fill your screen. 

Who makes converter boxes?  Converter boxes are manufactured by over 25 consumer electronics companies, and there are more than 100 models listed.   However, only 70 models are reported to be available for sale.  36 of these models have a feature called "analog pass-through," which lets the antenna signal "pass through" the converter when the converter is turned off.

Are there big differences in the converter box models?  All converters have the same basic features.  These include a digital TV tuner, remote control, channel guide on the TV screen, closed caption display, multiple languages function, and outputs for both an antenna connection and a TV "LINE INPUT" with stereo sound.  Any model of converter box should work with any analog TV.  

An extra feature some models may have is the ability to control a "smart" antenna that can electronically aim itself for the strongest signal from a channel.  Currently, though, there are very few "smart" antenna models available.

More sophisticated converters models include high end features such as DVD recording or DVR functions, and have both traditional analog tuners as well as the digital ATSC tuners.

Some converters have an extra feature called "analog pass-through" that you many want to look for.

Consumer research organization ConsumerReports.org has tested 14 models of  DTV converter boxes and has posted their results here. 

Why would I want a converter with the "analog pass-through" feature?    If you want to be able to easily switch between watching DIGITAL channels and ANALOG channels, including ANALOG "LOW POWER" TV stations that are not changing to digital signals in 2009, or perhaps Mexican or Canadian stations you watch that will continue to broadcast analog signals, then you should look for a converter model with the "analog pass-through" capability.

When converter boxes with the "antenna pass-through" feature are turned on, they tune DIGITAL channels and feed the digital channel picture and sound through their ANTENNA or LINE outputs.

When these converter boxes are turned off, they connect their antenna input directly to their antenna output.  This feeds the antenna signals, including ANALOG signals, directly to the older TV.  Then the older TV tuner can be used to watch the analog channels.

The "analog pass-through" feature is available on at least 12 available converter models.

What do converter boxes cost?  Suggested retail prices range from $39.95 to $69.95 for most basic converters that are certified for the government CONVERTER COUPON PROGRAM.  This is for a one-time purchase.  There is no ongoing fee to use a converter box.  The manufacturers set their own converter box prices.

What is the US government TV converter box coupon program?  The government is providing up to two coupons worth $40 each to every U.S. household which can each be applied to the purchase of a "certified" converter box.  For more information, see the "Converter Coupon Program" section of this website or click here. 

Where can I buy a converter box?  Converter boxes should be available in most electronics stores or electronics sections of large retailers, including WalMart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, KMart, Sears, Target, and others.  1900 retailers representing over 20,000 locations say they are stocking converter boxes.  Plus over 20 companies are selling converter boxes in their catalogs, by phone, or online, via the Internet.  As of June, there are reports that some stores are having a hard time keeping them in stock, so you should call ahead to a store you plan to visit.  To locate a converter box retailer, click here.

I will need one or more converter boxes. When should I get them?   You should get them this year, as soon as it is convenient for you.  Here's why:

• You can set up your antenna and start enjoying high quality, free reception of digital TV channels right now.

• You can watch the new "multicast" channels that some stations have started to broadcast.

• With prices as low as $40 for a fully-functional converter box model, and with a $40 government coupon applied to the purchase of a converter, you can buy a converter nearly for free, with just the cost of tax.

• Converter boxes have great viewing features, and they're not going to change much in the next year.

• If you start watching digital TV channels this year, you won't have to worry about getting coupons, buying a converter, or setting up an antenna when full power TV stations turn off their analog channels in February, 2009.
  

• You can be the "converter box" expert and show your friends how they work! 

You may have to make some  adjustments to your antenna next year, since some stations' digital transmitters are not yet transmitting at full power, or are not in their final locations. 

For a list of TV converter boxes that are "coupon eligible" and can be purchased using a $40 government coupon, click here. 

What are great features of using a digital TV converter?

•  When watching the local digital channels, you should the best picture your TV is capable of showing.

• You can see the new "multicast" channels that some TV stations have added.

• The sound is excellent, and it's easy to plug the audio into a home entertainment system.
  

• You'll see new digital features on your screen, including a program guide and program descriptions.

• The remote control has many conveniences, including volume, mute, picture shape, and favorite channels.

What will be different about watching TV using a digital TV converter?

• You will have choices about how to watch programs that are produced in a WIDESCREEN (16:9) shape.  You can choose to have the entire program fit an a traditional (4:3) shape, with blank bars on the top and bottom of the program (called a "LETTERBOX").  In this mode, when the wide program suddenly includes a picture that is NOT widescreen, like a commercial, the picture will "float" in the middle of your screen with blank space all around it (called a "POSTAGE STAMP").
  

• Or you can choose to see just the center of the widescreen program, and the picture will fill the entire screen (sometimes called a "zoom" mode). The sides of the program will not be visible (but many shows produced in widescreen, such as sports, are produced to keep the most important information in the center of the screen, so you may not miss much scene information).  Also, in this mode, you will not see any pictures in a "postage stamp" size.

• You need to turn on two devices (converter and TV) to watch digital TV stations.
  

• If you want to go back to watching analog channels, the depending on your connections, you will have to take extra steps, such as turning off the converter or switching the TV input from converter (LINE INPUT) to the TV antenna.
  

What's the best way to connect a converter box?   Basic converter boxes have two ways to connect their output to a TV.  Either way, you will need a TV antenna.  For more information on antennas, check the section "Using A TV Antenna" on this website or click here.

1.      LINE INPUT connection.  This includes three "RCA"-type plugs: video (yellow); left channel audio (white); and right channel audio (red).  A three-wire cable with colored plugs on both ends is used to connect the converter to a "LINE or "AUDIO-VIDEO (A-V) input on the TV.  To see the picture and hear the sound, the viewer chooses the correct line input on their TV.  This is similar to plugging in a video game, VCR, or DVD player to a TV.  (Most converter boxes come with an A-V cable as an accessory.) 

Some converters may also have an "S-Video" output plug.  This carries a video signal only. If the TV input also has an S-video plug, then the two can be connected using an "S-Video" cable, instead of using the yellow plugs.

Line connections only work if the TV has one or more LINE INPUTS.  Check your TV. Old TVs might have no line inputs; 15-20 year-old TVs might have one line input; more modern TVs may have several. 

Line inputs are the best way to connect a converter box to a TV. Here's why:

• the signals are already converted to high quality video and audio, and don't need more processing;

• the audio outputs are stereo, and will sound great on stereo TVs; the audio can also be connected to a home entertainment center for better sound;

• you can "split" your antenna to feed both the converter box and the TV antenna input.  Then, when you want to watch traditional ANALOG channels (and some LOW POWER TV stations, which are not changing to digital), you can simply switch from the converter box input to regular TV and watch analog channels like you do today.

 2.  ANTENNA connection.  This should be used only if a TV has no line inputs.  There is a plug labeled "to TV" or "TV output" with an antenna-style connector.  A short, round antenna cable with screw-on or push-on plugs on both ends is used to connect the converter box to the TV antenna input.  The converter box sends the TV channel as a tiny TV signal.  It can be on channel 3 or 4 (the user chooses which channel to use on installation; you choose the channel that is not also used by a local TV station).  To watch digital TV, the TV is tuned to either channel 3 or 4.

With an antenna connection, the quality of the picture should be very good.  But it won't be as good as the picture from line inputs because the picture has been converted from digital, then converted to a TV channel, then converted (by the TV) back to a viewable signal.  The audio has had the same conversions, and it might not be in stereo. 

For a page on this website that shows how to connect a converter to a TV or VCR, click here.

For a simple wiring diagram for connecting a converter box, click here. 

That's the basic information!  For the technically curious, here is more information about converter boxes.

Does every analog TV need a converter box to watch digital TV channels?  Yes.  This includes any device with an analog TV tuner, such as VCR, portable TV, or even a hand-held TV.  If you have an analog VCR that you use to record programs over-the-air, you will need to connect a converter box to the VCR. 

Will a converter box work with a video monitor or video projector?  Yes, if they have video inputs that match the converter box (COMPOSITE or S-VIDEO inputs).   Plus you will need to connect an amplifier and speakers to the converter to hear sound.  

Do converter boxes need to be installed by a professional installer?  No, the connections on converter boxes are fairly simple, and they come with instructions on how to connect them.  People who are familiar with how to connect video devices like video games and camcorders to TV sets, or who are familiar with connecting sound equipment, should understand it easily.  New converter box owners may want to ask for help from someone who has this experience.  Also, since converter boxes usually require making connections on the back of a TV, if it is difficult to get to the back of the TV, a TV owner should get help for moving the TV. 

I have an emergency TV that runs on a 12 volt car battery.  Should I get a converter box for it?  Yes!  Otherwise, in an emergency, you won't be able to receive local full power stations on this TV after February, 2009.  You have two power options for the converter: first, you can find a model that uses an external power supply (there are several models that use external 12 volt DC power supplies; we have purchased one and are testing it now), and run this converter on the car power.  Or, second, you can buy a converter with a standard AC power cord and also buy a "power inverter" that converts 12 volts DC (car power) to 120 volts AC (home power).  An inverter rated at 300 to 400 watts can provide power to both a medium-sized TV and a converter box, and they are available for $35 to $70 in electronics stores or online.  Inverters plug into the power outlets on cars, or they have cables that clip on to vehicle batteries.  You can run a standard extension cord from the inverter into a house to power the TV and converter, and even a radio, laptop computer or cellphone charger.

Is a digital converter box like a cable TV box or a satellite box?  Not really.  A digital converter box is a digital TV tuner for watching over-the-air TV that you own.  It has no subscription fee, and you can take it anywhere.  Cable TV boxes and satellite boxes are sophisticated SET TOP boxes that are required to decode and view signals from those services, and they need to be connected to a cable TV line or a satellite dish.

 Where did the idea for converter boxes come from?  In 2005, when the U.S. Congress directed that full power TV stations turn off their analog channels in February of 2009, it knew that this would primarily affect viewers who watch TV OVER-THE-AIR, using an antenna.  There were estimates that up to 70 million TV sets in the US were used for over-the-air viewing.  Congress wanted to make sure that there was a way for over-the-air viewers to continue watching their local TV stations, without disruptions. 

So the 2005 law also directed a federal agency, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), part of the Department of Commerce, to create specifications for a digital TV converter, to invite manufacturers to build it, to test the models, and to administer a program that gives households up to two $40 coupons to apply to converter purchases.  Since then, over 25 electronics companies have started manufacturing over 73 models of digital TV converter boxes. 

What are the required features for a converter box that is eligible for the government coupon purchase?  These are some of the key requirements for "coupon eligible" converter boxes:

• can receive and display all digital TV (ATSC) standards
• can tune all TV broadcast channels (2 - 69)
• can fit a widescreen (16x9) program onto a traditional (4x3) TV screen (and, if the viewer chooses, it can also show the "center" of a widescreen program on the full 4x3 TV screen)
• has an antenna input
• has two outputs for a TV: an antenna connection, and a LINE OUTPUT including video, left channel audio, and right channel audio
• can display the channels and menus on the TV screen
• has a remote control (with the converter control codes listed in the manual so that a user can program a "universal" remote to control the converter)
• has closed caption function, emergency alert system, and parental control (V-Chip)
• has a signal strength indicator for the selected channel
• and a power light! 

In addition, most converters are energy efficient, using about 7 watts when on (about what a nightlight uses), and under 2 watts when off.  To save power, converters also have an "auto timer" feature that can turn them off after a preset period of hours.  Per NTIA rules, a new converter is "preset" to turn itself off after 4 hours, but this period can be changed by the owner (the converter timer does not turn off a TV). 

Converter boxes that have all these features are called a "Coupon-Eligible Converter Box," or "CECB."  You might see "CECB" on converter box packaging or sales literature. 

Since they are small, solid state devices with no moving parts, converter boxes should be very reliable if they work properly when first connected. 

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CAPITALIZED WORDS are defined in the Digital TV Glossary.