Digital question

[RJEV]

We have satellite (dish) but sometime due to trees etc can't use it and would like to use our antenna but our TV's are analog. I've seen Camping World advertise a new type of antenna but don't understand if that will allow me to receive digital signals or if I will also need a converter box too. Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
RJ

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJEV Suggestions appreciated.

RJEV, I do not expect that the antenna alone will allow you to receive digital signals and in my opinion you will either need a converter box or a TV that has one built in.

[wa8yxm]

Your old antenna can receive Digital signals just fine.. To an antenna there is no such thing as Television, Analog or Digital.. There is only RADIO. and it's all analog, even if it's digital.

Once the signal gets inside a box inside your coach. THEN the difference beetween Digital and Analog becomes important.

Earlier today I was showing a fellow camper some of the eQSL cards I've gotten for folks I've exchanged info with all over the world using my 2-way ham radio.. The cards were for DIGITAL contacts.... I use the exact same antenna when I do analog .. Same radio in fact.. Only for analog I use a speaker and microphone and for digital a computer and Keyboard.

Some differences between Analog and Digital.. Other than the information carried on the radio wave:

Generally Digital transmissions are lower power, which does not necessarly translate to lower range (I talk farther on digital with about 30% the power) but in practice it has resulted in less range (Since they power level is often as little as 10% what it was)

Also, in many cases stations have moved "Up the dial" Radio wise And this too affects range and a few other thigns.

Example of "Up The Dial" (NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW THIS MOST OF THE TIME) Channel 2 was VHF low band (about 56 MHZ.. IS now VHF-HIGH, in fact they broadcast on Channel 7's old frequency.. Where did Channel 7 go? 41 of course.

Your TV (Well converter) still shows 2 or 7 (Followed by a -1 or -2 or -3) but the "Radio" portion of it is really tuned to the higher channel.. You only need to know this if you are searching for a station and do not have any signal scanned.

Now: What do you need, since you do not need a new antenna.

You need a "Set Top Box"

Two good ones ent reasons

Zenith/Insignia (Insignia is Best Buy's House Brand) Has one of the most sensitive receivers in the business. The bad thing about this box is it's manufacturer. LG-electronics.. I have learned not to trust their products.. That said my Insignia converter works well in practice.. Just do not forget to change channels every couple of days or it locks up (If left on to one channel)

DTV-PAL (Sears carries this) Has up to 2 weeks of program guide (Yes, like a sat-receiver they have a program guide) V/s two shows that the insignia has, It has timers you can set to auto-switch it to the channel you want and optionally it can record a show for later viewing (Depending on the model you buy)

Has VERY NICE antenna pointing software.. After all. It's by Echostar. (Dish Network)

The only thing I can not figure out is why it asks for Zip Code

[LLonearth]

Good info for you so far. I just wanted to add a programming point that may make it an easier decision to move to a digital ready tv. You will receive digital tv programming with your current antenna and many local stations are also broadcasting in high definition. Your current tv(s) will not display the high def. You'll probably pay $40 or more for a digital converter box. My suggestion is to apply that to newer tvs. You will be amazed with the picture quality.