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Other Equipment

Will my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and other analog equipment work with a new digital television set or converter box?
Can I record digital broadcasts on my analog VCR or DVD player?
Can I watch DTV on my home computer?
What will happen to old analog TVs that are replaced by DTVs? Will there be an effort to recycle them?

Q. Will my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and other analog equipment work with a new digital television set or converter box?

A. Yes. Digital television sets are "backwards compatible," meaning existing analog equipment will work with Digital TV sets or with a TV converter box. However, their video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product.

Q. Can I record digital broadcasts on my analog VCR or DVD player?

A. Yes. Most of the VCRs and DVD players we use today are analog and cannot pick up any over-the-air DTV signals directly. If you are using a converter box, you can connect the converter box to the VCR to convert and record that way. This will also work if you have a TV with a built-in VCR. If you have a new digital television and an old VCR or DVD player, you will need a converter box for the VCR/DVD player in order to record.  Because the converter box functions as the digital tuner for whichever piece of equipment it’s connected to, you will need two converter boxes (one connected to the VCR/DVD player, another connected to the TV) in order to watch one program while recording another on a different channel. If you currently have cable or satellite, you will be able to record the way you currently do.

Q. Can I watch DTV on my home computer?

A. Today you can purchase a high definition TV tuner card for about $200 that adapts your home computer for Digital TV reception. Manufacturers are developing a new generation of computers that will also work as Digital TV receivers.

Q. What will happen to old analog TVs that are replaced by DTVs? Will there be an effort to recycle them?

Electronics contain many re-usable and valuable raw materials. However, if improperly disposed of or illegally dumped, electronics can pose a serious risk to the environment.  Television sets contain mercury, hexavalent chromium, an average of four pounds of lead, and many other hazardous materials. E-waste recycling programs are designed to safely handle these toxic wastes and are in operation throughout the country. To find out more about disposal options and electronics recycling facilities near you, click here.