Converter box problem: it doesn't get ANY channels. What's wrong?

Question

With only rabbit ears (no roof antenna) my old TV gets 8+ broadcast channels crystal clear. The converter box doesn't find any channels! I live in the metro area of a major city so distance from transmitters is not an issue. I've tried connecting the cables every which way. Is it hopeless??

Answer 1

so you got the tv on channel 3?

the converter boxes put out channel 3 (or 4. it's selectable) on the s***w on wire that connects to the antenna connector on the tv

Answer 2

Make sure you are using the converter box properly.

Are you getting menus and information on screen from the box?

If yes and you are using line out into your TV, make sure your antenna is connected to the TV antenna input on the box, not the  RF ch. 3 and 4 output.

If it's all connected correctly, you will have to scan for channels. The digital channels are not 'on top' of the analog, they are completely different channels. The converter box will remap them, 'tricking' you so you find the new digital stations on the same channel number as the analog. If you do not scan and do not know the actual channel to key in manually, it will not receive anything.