Dealing with converter boxes

Nancy & Bill · 11-29-2011, 08:12 AM

We have an 05 Seabreeze LX 8321. I know there have been many posts about how to replace non-digital TV's in these units, but here is my question. We have two converter boxes that we got with coupons from the government during the big conversion to digital. We have them hooked up, but can never tell whether they are working as well as they should. We often get obscure channels where they are speaking a language other than English. They do not seem to be of a very high quality. Does anyone know if we should get a digital TV, if we would get any more channels with our antenna than we do with the converter box? The TV's work fine when we are on cable. Wondering in Virginia...???

Thanks for any suggestions!

wardy · 11-29-2011, 08:35 AM

Assuming the digital decoder boxes are installed properly you won't get more (well maybe slightly as newer TV's are a little move sensitive receivers) stations with a newer digital TV. Your picture can only be as good as the old TV and likely even degraded slightly by the down-conversion from HD to SD (standard definition). I had an 04 Dolphin and replaced the front TV with an HD, it looked great. If you can swing the cost it's a much better viewing experience.

awarnes · 11-29-2011, 05:35 PM

Some of it is due to your antenna. With my old antenna I got OK reception. I went and got the jack and just set it in the window and get great reception. The channel selection is OK and I get most of the local channels I want. I don't spend much time watching TV in the MH, but use it for a getaway while at home to watch a game or get away from the kids. My mancave.

Nancy & Bill · 11-29-2011, 05:58 PM

What do you mean by "the jack". Is that a brand name? What is it? It sounds very simple so tell me more!!! Thanks.

puttin · 11-29-2011, 06:07 PM

Nancy and Bill,

Just make sure your antenna amp. is on when you're using the gov't. box, and make sure the cable from the park is disconnected. I get good reception off the air like that...you'll notice it looks much better than cable...and we have older tv's.

Nancy & Bill · 11-29-2011, 06:12 PM

Where is the antenna amp? Not sure what that is, and if so how do I turn it on? Thanks for the reply!

puttin · 11-29-2011, 06:32 PM

It should be in the rv right where you connect the tv to the cable wall plate. There is a little push button switch with a light near it.

Nancy & Bill · 11-29-2011, 06:42 PM

I don't think we have one of these. We have a Wingaard distribution switch box and everything runs through that. Thanks for the picture though!

puttin · 11-29-2011, 06:54 PM

If you can snap a picture of the distribution box it would help, but I think you're referring to the video switch box that directs the signal to whatever tv(s) you want to watch. the amp is upstream of it and should either be in a cabinet near the front tv or close by.

Nancy & Bill · 11-29-2011, 07:23 PM

Ok, here is a picture. I have looked all around behind all of this, and found 3 electrical outlets, but nothing that looks like your picture.

puttin · 11-29-2011, 07:33 PM

The switcher box has a pwr button...have you tried it while watching tv? Have you looked near where the antenna crank is for the amp? Just curious.

Nancy & Bill · 11-29-2011, 07:37 PM

There is nothing around the crank. There is a power button on the distribution box (left button) and the picture is better with it out, rather than in.

jfran304 · 11-29-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy & Bill

Ok, here is a picture. I have looked all around behind all of this, and found 3 electrical outlets, but nothing that looks like your picture.

We have the same switch box except it is for 3 tv's instead of 4 tv's like yours.
If you are watching over the air tv you want the power on.
If you are watching cable tv you should turn it off.

Jon