Changing from analog to digital TV's

[Darbycreek]

Has anyone changed their analog TV's to installing the new flat screen in their MH?
Is the same antenna & cable usable with digital setup?
I think I know what I have to do but just looking for some expert advice of someone who has made the changeover already and made it work.

[TXiceman]

The antenna is not concerned if you receive a digital of analog system. You current antenna will work fine as will you cable and wiring in the coach.

One thing you do need to know is the digital signals are weaker and do no travel as far as the old analog signals. You will also need to aim the antenna more closely as you need to be pretty well on the signal.

Ken

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by Darbycreek

Has anyone changed their analog TV's to installing the new flat screen in their MH?
Is the same antenna & cable usable with digital setup?
I think I know what I have to do but just looking for some expert advice of someone who has made the changeover already and made it work.

The major difference is you may need to have new cabinets built..

Antenna: If you have a winegard Sensar you might consider adding the Wingman add on, If you are able to climb/walk on your roof you can do it yourself, though a pair of standard pliers will make the job easier.. I used fingers only. No tools needed. THe hardest part of the install is opening the box.. I'm not kidding.

Cable: Usually the same (See note below)

And that's it.

After install: With the antenna cranked up do a channel scan, then turn the antenna about 90 degrees and re-scan, (You want to "Quarter" starting at one end of rotation go about 85-90 degrees, scan, turn, scan, turn till you get to the other end of rotation)

Take notes as to whic direction is best

NOTE: some areas no longer have television coverage

Now... On the television and cables

SOME, Digital tv's have a seperate input for ATSC and NTSC video.. if this happens you need a splitter, a common one works.

[lllkrob]

Get yourself a compass and log in to www.dtv.gov and click on the reception maps portion. Put in your zip and hit enter. It will give you a list of stations, their signal strength, and compass heading so you can point your antenna exactly at the station you want in fringe areas. Metro areas are not as critical normally.

[DandS]

I chose to go with a converter box rather than a new tv. As stated above, the antenna does not know the difference between digital/analog signals. I found the digital signal to be highly directional however and requiring fine tuning of antenna direction to get the best reception. Kind of a mixed bag - ie: much better picture with digital but PITA on getting a good signal.

[DonavonP]

Originally Posted by lllkrob

Get yourself a compass and log in to www.dtv.gov

Great site!! Thanks!!

[SCVJeff]

HERE is another site that gives more detailed pointing information including compass directions.

[Ray,IN]

Adding a signal strength meter (not expensive) where it can be easily monitiored while turning the antenna, makes antenna pointing much easier (I refer you to the posted links). Sure TV's have a built-in meter, but, how many of us can even see the TV while turning the antenna?

[John H...]

Darbycreek, Try doing a search on "flatscreen tv". Something should come up. I did a change myself and posted it some time ago. If you can't find anything, email me. kitfoxjh@verizon.net I'll give you more info and some pix.