Digital to Analog converters ?

Question

We have DirectTV Satellite service. We got it about 3 years ago. The boxes on our TVs are D10-300. There is no marking on the box itself that says it digital. The instruction manual says "This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device..." but then goes on to say that it provides reasonable protection against harmful interference...nothing about it converting to analog for our ancient TVs.

Our Tivo box is definitely digital, but what about the regular boxes on the other TVs in the house? From what I read at www.dtv.gov, it sounds like we don't need to get a converter, but I just want to make sure. I didn't realize they have been giving out the $40 coupons since January, and I want to make sure we get ours before they run out, if we need them.

Answer 1

The way I understand it if you have cable or satellite you don't need to do anything, it's only if you are using an antennae to receive your signal that you need to get a converter box.  I have an antennae hooked up to my satellite receiver, and it allows me to get the HD local channels.  If I hook up the antennae directly to the tv I don't receive those channels.  This tells me the receiver is doing the converting so I take that to mean getting the converter isn't necessary.  I think you are fine without the converter as long as your TVs are connected to the satellite receiver.

Answer 2

Good news - you won't be affected as long as all your TVs are using the DirecTV service.

If you have any TVs off the service who just pick up over the air channels - they'll need the box.

Answer 3

I had the number just look online and call the number they will take some information and send the cards.  Now I would call Direct first to make sure I need them. I do not believe you do.

Answer 4

There is a lot of confusion about this.  Let me try to help.

The stuff you read on http://www.dtv2009.gov applies to Over The Air TV only.  This is TV that you would get with an antenna.  If you want to use an antenna to receive free Over The Air digital broadcasts, then yes you would need to use a converter box or upgrade to a digital TV.

If you have a satellite receiver that is putting out a signal that works with your TV now, you won't need to do anything.  The satellite company and satellite receiver are taking care of all of that for you.

The "class B" digital device refers to how much interference the device puts out and how much it will affect other devices.  Many other consumer devices also carry the "class B" statement and it is nothing to be concerned about.

I hope this helps.  Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.

Answer 5

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Hope that info is useful for you.

Answer 6

The only people that need to have a digital converter box are those using basic antenna. DirectTV is all digital all the time, so you don't have to worry about it. If you have basic cable or Satellite, the conversion will have no effect on you at all.