Do we need a converter box for TV?

[Flowergirl]

Our mh is an 06 Daybreak. It's in storage now so its not convenient to get the manuals. Do you think I need a converter box for the TV or is an 06 new enough to have a built in converter in the TV? Just curious...nothing else to do but dream in this snow!!

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally posted by Flowergirl: Our mh is an 06 Daybreak. It's in storage now so its not convenient to get the manuals. Do you think I need a converter box for the TV or is an 06 new enough to have a built in converter in the TV? Just curious...nothing else to do but dream in this snow!!

Almost certainly does not have a built in digital tuner (converter). It wasn't until 2007 that TVs needed to have them, and many RVs didn't get them until 2008.

joe

[LindaH]

You probably will need a converter box, but I wouldn't rush out and buy one until you've had a chance to check the owner's manual for the TV to see if it has a digital tuner.

[KC1BUD]

Quote:

Originally posted by LindaH: You probably will need a converter box, but I wouldn't rush out and buy one until you've had a chance to check the owner's manual for the TV to see if it has a digital tuner.

If you apply for your discount cards before Febuary 17 from the government the card is good for 90 days. They are good for 40 dollars off the price of the converter box for the max of 2 discount cards per household. This would give you until May to make a determination.

Here is the site to apply for the card; Digital Converter box

[John-D]

Here are 3 ways to tell if you need converter boxes

1: If you are in a major city (Ok, even a minor city) do a TV channel scan..

If it finds channels like 3,5,8,10 only (it usually does not find adjacent channels) odds are you need a converter

If it finds channels like 2.1 or 2-1, 20-1 or 20.1 (that is two part channel numbers) you do NOT need a converter (100% on this, no odds)

2: If your remote has a "-" or "." key or a GUIDE key (NOTE TV remote, not sat-receiver remote) Odds are you do not need a converter

3: READ THE FINE MANUAL If it mentions digital TV and says you can receive it, (or if it mentions the things I mentioned above) You do not need a converter

The answer is simple..

Now: Which converter.. Take a look at THIS website before you buy DTV PAL

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally posted by KC1BUD: If you apply for your discount cards before Febuary 17 from the government the card is good for 90 days.

Too late...the program to provide these coupons has run out of money. Unless more money is authorized, there will be no more coupons.

[turtle2468]

We have an 06 daybreak and we did need a converter. very east to install.

[Flowergirl]

Thanks for all the help. We bought them with the coupons but I hate to use that remote and have a cupboard open to use it. I guess we'll see what happens in the spring!

[KC1BUD]

Quote:

Originally posted by turtle2468: We have an 06 daybreak and we did need a converter. very east to install.

I have an 07 DayBreak the front TV is digital and the bedroom one isn't.

[John-D]

Though the program is "Out of money" several folks have ordered coupons and then changed their mind and gotten a new TV instead.. Thus coupons are expiring. Late yesterday for example someone posted a "Free Coupon, Expires today"

Alas, I expect it did too.

Thus that coupon (And the hundreds of others which expired this week) will be re-issued.

[Noelj]

WE just got a converter, and installed it in the cabinet with the small TV in the bedroom. One very important note. MAKE SURE THAT THE ONE YOU GET HAS "ANALOG PASS-THROUGH". This is because you need to pass a signal from cable through it when not using the antenna. Also applies if you are feeding a signal from a dish receiver to the television. We bought a converter when they first came out, and found that if it was turned off, NO signal got through it. To use the cable input, I had to disconnect and bypass the converter. I ended up getting a newer one and selling the old one to someone for their home TV.
Nearly all the ones on the market now have pass through, so also look for one that has a "digital Signal Strength Meter" built in. Unlike analog signals where we just scanned for channels, then rotated the antenna for the best picture, digital is either on or off. The signal meter is needed to let you find and rotate antenna for the best signal. BTW, I found the new one at stores where we all do 'overnights" in their parking lots.

[Sumar]

Good point Noelj....we have a 2007 Damon Astoia and bought one for each TV, with the Analog pass thru.

I do have to say we used them for the first time this past week, in 3 different states, and the picture came in perfectly clear with great reception.

We have glass on the front of our door, so don't have to leave the door open to use the box.

[NeilV]

Quote:

Originally posted by Noelj: WE just got a converter, and installed it in the cabinet with the small TV in the bedroom. One very important note. MAKE SURE THAT THE ONE YOU GET HAS "ANALOG PASS-THROUGH". This is because you need to pass a signal from cable through it when not using the antenna. Also applies if you are feeding a signal from a dish receiver to the television. We bought a converter when they first came out, and found that if it was turned off, NO signal got through it. To use the cable input, I had to disconnect and bypass the converter. I ended up getting a newer one and selling the old one to someone for their home TV. Nearly all the ones on the market now have pass through, so also look for one that has a "digital Signal Strength Meter" built in. Unlike analog signals where we just scanned for channels, then rotated the antenna for the best picture, digital is either on or off. The signal meter is needed to let you find and rotate antenna for the best signal. BTW, I found the new one at stores where we all do 'overnights" in their parking lots.

Or you can just put it between the antenna amplifier and the main distribution/selector box and have it available to both TV's. In my 35' coach the remote is able to activate the digital converter in the front of the coach. You will not be able to tune in two different broadcast digital signals at the same time however in the confines of an RV I personally don't like two sets tuned to two different programs going at the same time.

[John-D]

I will make it as easy as I can
Are your televisions the old 4x3 aspect ratio?

Have you ever seen a channel number that is in two parts, like this 7-1 or 20.3?

IF the first question is a YES and the 2nd NO get the converter box

If you need to know how to hook it up, I can help you

If you are near Detroit I can really help you

Suggestion: There are several good converter boxes out there. Channel Master is supposed to give the best performance but check out this product DTV PAL +

The DTV pal is by Echostar (Dish Network folks) and has features that make it very very very nice