Digital TV

[kavakava]

With digital tv signals coming soon, those of us with standard antennas on top of our masts will have to find a way to convert. Any tech wizard with an idea how to go about this process is welcome to share. I was wondering about getting a coupon for a converter box and using that, but they're 120v and I'd have to wire it into the inverter. Thanks

[artbyjody]

Non of the major players in the RV/Marine carry 12 VDC units (as far as I know), for over air HDTV converters. Naturally the Satellite system packages do... none the less... If you do end up running a inverter, it has been reported at least on some of the RV forums, don't fall for those advertised "HDTV" antennas. Regular antennas work if they are designed to pick up VHF/UHF (most HD channels are in the UHF band although a few might be found in the higher frequencies of VHF) - and most reported that using the old rabbitt ears with UHF ring, worked better than typical RV antennas....

[sailingdog]

Kavakava-

You'd probably be better off getting a small LCD-HD TV unit. They're not that expensive any more...

[artbyjody]

Most of the HD units do not have tuners / converters in them for HD - they just accept HD input from such units....the key to watch out for is those labeled "HD Ready" as you will need to purchase a tuner...

[Slipkiller2]

About 6 months ago, I bought a 15 in LCD HD TV for <$300. It had a tuner along with inputs for dvd/vcr and computer.

[camaraderie]

Any TV produced for and sold in this country since last march HAS the capability to receive and display over the air HDTV signals when connected to an antenna. Older inventory was sold through 2007 as well but any current model set will have HD reception capability built in. The industry will issue $40 coupons for converter boxes so consumers don't have to throw away their old sets.
Note...this does NOT mean that all TV's will give you a HIGH DEFINITION picture...only that they will tune, receive and display stations that broadcast in the new HD frequency range.

[groundhog]

If you're looking for an antenna, I have been using my masthead VHF antenna sucessfully.

Do a search on this forum as I have posted on this before...

If you have problems finding info, I'll dig it up.

[jackytdunaway]

Do you also have the VHF hooked up to it. i had heard that can cause some damage

[sailingdog]

As Cam pointed out, all TVs manufactured since March 2007 have been required to have ATSC over-the-air HD TV tuners in them. Most will have NTSC standard def. analog TV tuners.

Originally Posted by artbyjody

Most of the HD units do not have tuners / converters in them for HD - they just accept HD input from such units....the key to watch out for is those labeled "HD Ready" as you will need to purchase a tuner...

[camaraderie]

Here's the link thanks and welcome Caleb:
https://www.dtv2009.gov