digital tv convertor box

[ray66v]

The Zenith does control volume, not the TV volume, but the volume of the signal from the converter box. Net effect is basically the same.

paul

No, there is a difference. The volume control on the Zenith is only the volume on the box, not the TV.

The adjustment is limited to what is preset on the TV.

This means in order to have any kind of range you have to leave the volume set high on the TV.

This can, and in my case does, result in an annoying hiss with the converter volume set low. Particularly during scenes where it is quiet, or there is no sound.

If you use your TV at the same volume every day your pretty much good to go.

I have to be able to turn it way up or down sometimes, and do not want to have to use 2 different remotes.

The Digital Stream has both volume controls for this purpose, and is the same price, making this a no brainer.

 

[Wil]

I've been doing a lot of review reading on many sites on the web on these converter boxes. Many people have commented about audio problems with the Zenith converter boxes.

The Digital Stream from Radio Shack has a lot of good reviews and also currently has one out with the bypass capability. Also according to what I have read they have buttons on the box to change the channel in case you have misplaced the remote. I'm thinking I will be getting one of the Digital Stream models.

 

[wjmst]

We have Dish Network. What I am wondering is if companies like Dish and DirectTV will charge more for HD packages as they do now. When all channels are converted to HD, won't they have to upgrade our recievers? How can they charge extra for HD channel packages if it is the standard?

As I understand it, HD is different than digital TV. HD is High Def, it requires a special antenna to get the "free" over the air signal or you pay extra for HD through the cable or satellete company.

Wes

 

[ray66v]

How can they charge extra for HD channel packages if it is the standard?

Because, you don't have to watch in HD. You can feed you TV a standard, (low), definition signal from a cable or satellite box and it will work fine.

When has it ever been different with service providers?

My cell phone has always been more expensive than my old land phone.

High speed internet is now basically the standard, and I know I am paying more for that than I did dial up.

When the "new" internet becomes available, (the grid), you can bet it will cost more too.

 

[MDM]

I thought the new digital signal = HD. If the new signal is not HD, why must you have a HDTV to view the signal? Unless of course you have the converter box.

 

[wjmst]

I thought the new digital signal = HD. If the new signal is not HD, why must you have a HDTV to view the signal? Unless of course you have the converter box.

You don't need an HDTV to view the digital signal. You just need a TV with a digital turner. HDTV is just one "version" of digital tv. The standard definition can be viewed on any tv, as long as it has a digital turner in it or an external converter box.

Wes

 

[MDM]

I'm beginning to understand. So there will be no difference in picture quality with the new signal. I do have 1 HDTV monitor and 1 HDTV with the tuner built in. So, if I want to take advantage of my HD television sets, I will have to pay for some sort of HD package from Dish.

 

[ray66v]

You don't need an HDTV to view the digital signal. You just need a TV with a digital turner. HDTV is just one "version" of digital tv. The standard definition can be viewed on any tv, as long as it has a digital turner in it or an external converter box.

Wes

Right, this February is the equivalent of a conversion from, vinyl records to CD'S, (analog to digital). The difference is there will be no vinyl records, (over the air analog broadcasts), after February. So if you have a record player, (analog TV), you can't play CD's in it. In this case you can use an adapter, (converter box), and then you would still be able to use it, (digital signal now, converted to analog, so you TV can understand it. But you don't have a HD capable TV, so it is not HD). If you buy a new player, (a new HD capable TV, you can enjoy free high definition broadcasts, using a TV antenna), you will probably be very happy with it.

Does that help?

 

[MDM]

Right, this February is the equivalent of a conversion from, vinyl records to CD'S, (analog to digital). The difference is there will be no vinyl records, (over the air analog broadcasts), after February. So if you have a record player, (analog TV), you can't play CD's in it. In this case you can use an adapter, (converter box), and then you would still be able to use it, (digital signal now, converted to analog, so you TV can understand it. But you don't have a HD capable TV, so it is not HD). If you buy a new player, (a new HD capable TV, you can enjoy free high definition broadcasts, using a TV antenna), you will probably be very happy with it.

Does that help?

Thanks. That does help. Two questions:

The channels I watch on Dish Network are not HD now, nor will they be after the switch in Feb. HD is seperate for satellite users. Is this correct?

Will the new digital signal be stronger? By that, I mean will it reach farther. I use an antenna to pick up NBC and CBS from about 60 miles away. Right now, the stations are watchable, but not crystal clear. Will the new digital signal be stronger and yeild a better reception?

 

[MrJimi]

Thanks. That does help. Two questions:

The channels I watch on Dish Network are not HD now, nor will they be after the switch in Feb. HD is seperate for satellite users. Is this correct?

Will the new digital signal be stronger? By that, I mean will it reach farther. I use an antenna to pick up NBC and CBS from about 60 miles away. Right now, the stations are watchable, but not crystal clear. Will the new digital signal be stronger and yeild a better reception?

From what I have read, either ya get it or ya don't. No snow..
I'm not liking that part, I've watched many snowy shows in my life