What's the scuttle but on these new digital TV boxes. I understand why we are going to need them and such.

I bought one at Walmart for about $40.00. TV is clear but I get less channels than using a regular crank up antenna. I'll assume things will improve and more channels will be available. I just wanted some feed back to see what others think.

Sorry - I cant spell "Scuttle Butt", need to proof read next time !!!!!!!

The digital info:

http://www.dtv.gov/

Did you use your coupon from the feds to get the discount on it?

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

Stanley,
I ordered the coupon, just got them the otherday, took about 12 weeks. I was to eager to have good TV, I jumped the gun an bought one early. I have 2 coupons if anyone wants one.

quote:

TV is clear but I get less channels than using a regular crank up antenna.

You should use the crank up antenna connected to the new box.
You will only get the digital channels available in the area you are at.

You could move to a different area and receive twice or more the number of channels in digital then are available in analog.

And you will need to fine tune your crank up for the right direction then before with digital.

It sounds like the box you bought does not 'pass through' the analog channels.

You may want to put a splitter on the cable before the box and then one side directly to the TV for the analog feed and the other side of the splitter to the box for digital.

Connect the box with one of the other connectors on the TV. (eg Video 1)

Switch between the two inputs for the full range of programs.

I bought the Winegard model that is designed to work with their amp-ed antenna over a year ago. Works good but I think stations are not putting their full power in the channels till the date for conversion gets closer. Local channels look better than my DirecTV on my old tube TV. John

I used the coupon to buy a zenith DTT900. Great picture with my 8yr old analog rear TV and original winegard antenna. The remote that it came with does everything except shut off the TV, which is great cause my TV remote receiving sensor stopped working yrs ago.
One caveat and maybe someone can help.
The box won't pass the VCR signal or cable signal from the front of the moho to this TV. Of course the tech at zenith was not very helpful.
I think I need to buy another switching box and attach the coax cable from the front of the moho to it and then treat the new convertor box as I would a VCR and somehow have a direct connection to the TV for everything else. Or will a simple splitter do the trick. Or am I stuck just changing the coaxial cable manually. I know there has to be a way to do this, I just can't wrap my brain around it.

I have a Wineguard antennae and booster box. Do I connect the new converter box before the booster box (between the antennae and the new box) or after the booster box?
Thanks

After the booster box. Run the cable from the TV outlet on the booster box to the digital box, then run to your TV. John

We tried Wal Mart and Radio Shcak today to get a Con. Box. They are sold out. Radio Shack says they are on back order. Wal Mart sales said they go as fast as they come off the truck and hit the shelves.

I got to play with the converter box this weekend. Yes I do get more channel with the box, but I don't get any local channels that we like. I installed an old A/B gaming switch so I could switch from the reg. antenna to the new box easilly. I now have another remote to add to the collection. Oh well that's the price we pay for TV, I guess. I'm happy with it, I'm assuming it'll get better as Feb. 2009 comes near.

Watch the exp date on your card. I lucked out at a Wal & got mine when they stocked the shelves, rest never collected dust either!

Called Wal Mart today. They got a shipment in. Had to settle for the Magnavox converter. Only one they had right now.

Kind of like Indiana Jones looking for the Holy Grial trying to get a converter.

Sort of interesting seeing what these things are selling for on EBay. Might cost less than using the coupon.