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Converter Boxes

What is a TV converter box?
How do I install a TV converter box?
Can I hook up more than one TV and video recorder to a single converter box?
Do I need a TV converter box if I subscribe to cable or satellite service?
Do cable customers with analog TV sets have to buy or rent a set-top box from their cable company?
Will I receive closed-captioning through a converter box?
My antenna connects to my television set using two wires instead of a coaxial cable. Can I connect a TV converter box?

Q. What is a TV converter box?

A. The digital-to-analog converter box is a stand-alone device, about the size of a paperback book, which allows your antenna to receive and convert digital signals into a format that analog televisions can display. The converter box does not need to be the same brand as your television. You will still need an antenna, which works with the converter box. TV converter boxes retail for around $40 to $70 at consumer electronics stores and on the web.

Q. How do I install a TV converter box?

A. Each converter box comes with instructions from the manufacturer. You will connect your antenna to the converter box, and then connect the converter box to your television.  Once the box is hooked up and both it and your TV are turned on, a set-up screen should appear. When you are finished installing, be sure to do a channel scan. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and installation video are available at www.digitaltips.org.

Q.Can I hook up more than one TV and video recorder to a single converter box?

A. You will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner. The digital-to-analog converter box basically replaces the analog tuner in one piece of equipment. It is possible to use a device called a splitter to connect a single converter box to two or more TV sets, but all the sets must be set to the same channel as the converter box, and the picture and sound quality will decrease as the signal is split.

Q. Do I need a TV converter box if I have cable or satellite service?

A. Satellite viewers who watch their local channels over the air will have to use a converter box or have a TV with a digital tuner. Analog televisions that are connected to an antenna will require a converter box after the switch to digital-only broadcasting. Your cable or satellite provider will see to it that you continue to receive local stations, including WPT.

Q. Do cable customers with analog TV sets have to buy or rent a set-top box from their cable company?

A. First, it’s important to know that the the switch to digital-only broadcasting deadline only applies to full-power broadcast stations. The government does not require cable companies to transition their systems to digital. They can continue to deliver channels to their customers using analog signals. This means that cable customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will continue to receive service after the switch to digital-only broadcasting. 

Cable companies may decide independently, however, to switch their service to all-digital. At that point, they may require subscribers to buy or rent a set-top digital cable box (different from the TV converter box). Any questions regarding your pay TV service should be directed to your provider.   

Q. Will I receive closed-captioning through a converter box?

A. Yes. Coupon-eligible converter box manufacturers are required to provide closed captioning for display on your television, although the features will vary by box.

Q. My antenna connects to my television set using two wires instead of a coaxial cable. Can I use a TV converter box?

A. Yes. You can purchase an inexpensive converter that will allow you to use an older, two-pronged antenna hook-up (known as a “balun”) with a new TV converter box.