Analog tv, converter box, digital antenna setup

[Kaikou]

I found this TV, Sanyo model # DS27800 by the dumpster. Trying to figure out the easiest and cheapest way to get it up and running.

I am confused on whether I need a digital antenna, converter box (hard to find?), or both

http://www.fixya.com/support/p218123-sanyo_ds27800_27_tv/usermanual-950bf38-pdf

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-digital-tv-converter-box-black/1239871.p?id=1219047791707&skuId=1239871

Why is a converter box 60$? If I buy a digital antenna will I be all good?

[Frankies Girl]

Not sure about any of the technical stuff, but if the television is an old analog type, then you'll need the converter box to translate the digital channel broadcast to analog. After the switch from analog to digital broadcasts was completed, analog TVs will be incapable of receiving over-the-air broadcasts without the addition of a set-top converter box.

You would also need an antenna to get the signals in the first place (and I think it would need to be a digital antenna too, run through the converter box). So I do think you'd need both (but someone correct me if that's wrong!!)

The reason the converter box is getting hard to find is that the switch over to digital broadcasting happened back in 2009. Converter boxes were subsidized during that time, but won't be any more because everybody should either have one for their old TV already, or have gone on to purchase new TVs that work with digital broadcasting using an antenna only. Analogues are pretty much dinosaurs.

Worst case scenario, you buy the converter box and antenna try out the antenna and see if it works by itself and return the converter box if so, but I think you will need both.

[seattlecyclone]

Yes, you will need a converter box. The analog tuner built into the TV is pretty much useless now that all the major TV stations broadcast digital signals. The converter box costs $60 because that's what Best Buy charges for a new one. The federal government gave out some coupons during the transition so every household could get a box for very little cost (we wouldn't want people to miss their soap operas, after all), but this program ended long ago. Now you'll pay full price if you buy a new one. However most people have since transitioned to TVs that have digital tuners built in, so you can get a used converter for about $20 on Amazon.

You will also need an antenna, though there's no such thing as a "digital" antenna. I have an antenna from well before digital broadcasts ever were a thing and it works fine. Most stations now broadcast in the "UHF" band (which uses a small, often round, antenna), rather than the "VHF" band (which uses the telescoping rabbit ear style antenna), though there are still some stations that use VHF. You may be able to receive all of the stations in your area with just the small UHF antenna, or you may need to get one that also has the rabbit ears. Check AntennaPoint to see what frequencies your local stations use and where they broadcast from.

[alsoknownasDean]

Yes, you'll need a converter box. The antenna may be OK.

Maybe check Craigslist for one? :)

The slightly less Mustachian option is to maybe see if there's any cheap digital TVs on Craigslist.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

[Daley]

Cyclone pretty much already hit everything on the head. I'm only posting to add one minor bit of interest.

However most people have since transitioned to TVs that have digital tuners built in, so you can get a used converter for about $20 on Amazon.

Additionally, there's a whole slew of cheap, newer ATSC tuners with DVR capability at around the $30 mark new (cheaper used) on Amazon as well. Of course, you have to provide the USB external hard drive to enable recording, but...

[Kaikou]

Thanks everyone! I might just get a dvd player and use it for movies... Haven't had a tv and don't want to get sucked down that road.lol

[Daley]

Haven't had a tv and don't want to get sucked down that road.lol

Then why keep it? Just put it back where you found it (or better still) donate it to Goodwill or drop it off at a proper electronics recycler.