Digital to analog converter box...

Not sure if you are attempting to answer my question about HD reception with rabbit ears. If so, this is the information I read and why I have the concern. Your answer doesn't address this.

From https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx

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Q - Will I still need an antenna to receive programming?

A - Yes. If you currently use an antenna to receive your over-the-air programming, you will still need it after you install a converter box. In some cases, TV viewers may need a new antenna. For help choosing an antenna in order to receive your free, local broadcast TV channels, visit www.antennaweb.org.

From http://www.antennaweb.org./

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Do I need a new antenna to get digital TV?

An antenna used for watching analog TV over the air can also be used for digital TV, including HDTV. Viewers in some areas, however, will find that a better antennaa rooftop one, perhapsis needed to ensure reliable digital TV reception.

First, a word about how digital TV reception differs from analog: Essentially, you either get a perfect digital signal for a particular channel, or nothing at all. Its whats known as a cliff effect. You will either find yourself at the very peak of reception capability orless happilyin the deepest ditch.

Digital reception is unlike the familiar world of analog, in which a partial signal above a certain threshold may be viewable (or at last hearable), albeit with static or other flaws. If your digital reception is erratic, it will be difficult to tolerate, because at varying intervals the picture and sound will disappear entirely. You may not want to watch Dateline if Stone Phillips gets replaced every few seconds by a blank, blue screen. If you live in an area where reception is marginal, a bargain-priced indoor antenna may not cut it anymore. Even viewers who live in urban areas close to broadcast transmitters may encounter interference caused by neighboring buildings, hills, trees or other obstructions.

To view all television stations in your area, you may need an antenna for both VHF (channels 2 through 13) and UHF (channels 14 and up) bands. With the switch to digital in 2009, many stations will move to new channels and, in some cases, switch bands.

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Currently I'm just using cheap indoor antennas as I'm in a suburban area. If you are further out in the country you will want a good rooftop antenna. In either case, make sure to use shielded coax (RJ-6 or better) all the way from the antenna to the receiver. Many cheap antennas these days come with unshielded coax - avoid them if possible.

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Digital to analog converter box

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They aren't available at retail yet. The government supposedly is not mailing out the coupons until the devices are available. They anticipated it to be around March 2008.

So we can expect the coupons to be available sometime in July? (snicker snicker)

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Dear God.

Just get cable or satellite or an antenna with a digital TV.

Figure it out.

I have 100 year old guns that I can still get ammo for.

It won't be that difficult for you.

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Digital to analog converter box

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Figure it out.

Well, cjhs, that's what I'm trying to do. Sorry if I seem a bit stupid..

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The $40 coupons are starting to be delivered. I just got mine in the mail this week. Been looking at the websites to see which of the 34 qualified converter box brands and models are available and what the reviews of them have been.

The flyer that comes with the coupon lists only three major retailers and says there are hundres of smaller retailers currently accepting coupons.

The big three are Best Buy, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart.

I looked on their websites to check things out. Here are links to what is available and how they've been reviewed by recipients thus far. Prices range between $50 and $60. Looks like only 5 of the 34 qualified boxes are currently available.

Magnavox at Walmart $52.97

Thompson RCA at Walmart $52.97

Digital Stream at Radio Shack $59.99

Zenith at Radio Shack $59.99

Insignia at Best Buy $59.99

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Re: Foofie (Post 3018064)

It's easier to just buy a new TV. You can get one for $100 and that's real cheap.

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Re: Miller (Post 3367820)

I am not finding this new A2K simple to understand, so I know I have not replied in a timely manner; however, having received the coupons months ago, and got a box at Best Buy, the tv gets most of the HD channels. I think there is some interference with some signals, due to other buildings, so I do not get all the channels I got with the analog signal. I think I will just read more books! Thank you for the input everyone.

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