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The Kitchen Table

Question Re: Digital TV Change

18 years ago

We picked up our converter box & used the $40 coupons we received toward their purchase. The box comes with a remote in it. I know this sounds stupid, but does this totally replace the current remote for the TV when we start using the box? I would assume so, but I can't seem to find an answer & the guy who sold it to us didn't know either. Any help would be appreciated.

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Comments (6)

susanjf_gw
18 years ago
if it's functions like our cable box remote, yes it should take over the functions of your current remote...it may have to be programmed...

do a search on-line, looking up the co that makes the converter box...if nothing else, they often have 800# you can call....
Pawprint
18 years ago
I submitted a form online for my coupons. I don't think I've received them or I thought it was junk mail and threw them out. I have cable, but dont pay extra for the converter box. Hmmm, another remote control....
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Bummer. I suppose this means I'll need a 3rd converter box. I'm in the process of changing everything over. I've removed all the wires from TV, VCR, DVR. So far, the TV is doing its thing correctly from having the converter box. Nice clear pictures and a few more stations. I figured I should start out simply......with just the converter box and TV. Now I'm trying to get the VCR to work, but nothing is showing up. Since I unplugged everything, I might have to re-program the VCR being able to talk to the TV, but I have to go let the chickens out first. What caught me up for awhile was that I was used to having the TV and VCR set to channel 4, but for some reason, it needs to be channel 3 now. After I get the VCR working with everything else, then I'll move on to the DVR. I think I'm going to use a splitter so that I can get signals to my VCR and my DVR. Does that make any sense at all? You guys are so familiar with all this stuff, you must think I'm a real slow learner. haha But hey....ask me about chickens, watergardens, raising kids, vegetable gardening, or critical care medicine, and I could probably help some of you! One quick question.........Am I being redundant by using a coaxial connection here and there, AND RCA cables on the same machines?? Okay.........out to the chickens, but I'll be back. Don't go too far. :)
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Thanks for your TVFool.com report: it tells me that you are about 65 miles from the Des Moines transmitters, and that you have a moderately strong signal available to you from those transmitters. A properly designed antenna and distribution system should give you reliable reception of all of those stations. Whoever installed this antenna system needed to pay particular attention to your distribution system: when distributing signal to 5 TV sets, it is imperative that there is enough antenna mounted on the roof, and that there is sufficient amplification in the system to me insure that each TV set is provided with enough signal to operate reliably. If you don't know what kind of antenna that you have on the roof, snap a picture of it and post it on here: I should be able to identify it. After June 12, 2009, many stations reverted from UHF to VHF digital transmission, and Des Moines now has 4 VHF digital stations: A wrong antenna choice will adversely affect your reception, as will a poorly designed distribution system.
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Well, I just really resent being blackmailed into spending more money like this. I have cable at one house, guess I'll keep it till we sell, but I'm totally disgusted that right now, on my old (very old--my sets are about 15 years old) TV's I can pick up about 12 channels. With the converter box attached, I can get exactly TWO channels. First they told us all we needed was a converter box. Then, once most folks bought them, oops--you might need an antenna, too. And now, that's not even working. You know what I think? (Just call me a conspiracist)--I think the pay tv companies had a lot to do with this switch. That's really the only way most of us are going to be able to get TV reception after next week. No, sorry. I'm not spending any more money on this fiasco. After next week, I'll be turning most of my TV's off, and leaving them off. I hear a lot of others who feel the same way. With any luck, this scam will take money from the pockets of the cable/dish companies, rather than making more for them. Just one more example, though, of the smash and grab that's being perpetrated on the middle class as we gasp our last breaths.
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I've been wondering what's going to happen here. The reception has been getting worse and worse but I decided to wait until the changeover was complete, the stations realigned and operating at full power before deciding what to do. Figured I'd have to get a better antenna by the way things looked but thought let's wait and see. I was wondering if they would delay it again with all the crying about it. Glad they didn't. A couple weeks ago I noticed the channels were screwed up. For some reason they were coming in on the channel they were actually on rather than being redirected. Rescanned but still the same. Amusing, but not a big deal. After about 12 hrs I did a rescan and it was back to what was normal for the time. So I was up late last night and watching tv. Didn't notice much until about 2am when I did some switching channels. Once again, they were on different channels. So I knew the change was made. Scanned again and all is happy. Plus the reception is FAR better than before. I imagine between the channels going to the more powerful channels claimed, they also cranked up the power. Clearest pictures I've had yet (on digital). Still not as good as analog on all but I can live with this if it stays like this. Problem is every time I rescan I have to go through and filter out the channels I don't want like the religious channels and the duplicates. However, it's early yet. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
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emmisme
18 years ago
Long time lurker here. I just have to jump in here, not wanting anyone to pay for something they don't need. If you have cable or satellite service, you don't need to purchase the converter box. If you watch on an analog TV using an outside or inside antenna you will need a converter box. Link is to the FCC website on this topic.

Here is a link that might be useful: Digital TV transition
iowagirl2006
18 years ago
We had a long thread on this the other day, Emmisme - but it is a good reminder. It is a confusing topic :)

I am waiting for my coupons - I ordered them almost 2 weeks ago.

I wish I could get more than 2 coupons.
judy_jay
Original Author
18 years ago
It took over 3 wks. to get my 2 coupons (they only issue 2). Both DD & I need the converter box as both our TV's are old & we don't have cable. They give you 3 months in which to purchase the box & nearby Wal-Marts, Radio Shacks & K-Marts carry it. The only question I have is about the remote, but I guess since they provide one with the box, you don't need the one that came with your TV. I can't seem to get anyone on the phone to answer this question so I thought I'd put it on the KT because you guys are so good about knowing all this stuff.
grammahony
18 years ago
It took about 3 weeks for me to get mine too. I have Dish Network, and I know I don't need them here. But mine is for the cabin, where I just have a crank up antenna. Now I have to order Mom's for her.
Leslie

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