Do I need a converter for college for a "HD ready" TV?

Question

I recently received a 32" TV that is "HD-ready" aka without a HD-tuner. Im wondering when I go to college and hook up the coax cable am i going to get any digital stations at all? and if not is there a way / something i can get to recieve them through cable? To my understanding is the coax into the tv is analog so my first bet would be i need a box.

Answer 1

It is quite possible that you will need a converter box.  Unfortunately, lots of TVs labeled as "HD-Ready" don't actually have digital tuners in them.  They can display digital signals, but they cannot receive them without a converter box.

I would be that the cable at college is only going to be analog.  That being said, you may be able to contact the cable company and get a digital set top box (be sure to get an HD one) so you can have beautiful digital TV while everyone else gets snowy c**p. ;)

That would probably be your cheapest option as well.  Most cable companies in my area only charge about $5 for the box if you already have cable service, and it sounds like your school does.

You could also apply for a DTV coupon and pick up one of the free digital TV converters.  Using that and a small antenna, you would be able to get all the digital stations being broadcast for free, and perhaps even some HDTV stations too.  I'm sending along a link that has more info on applying for the free coupon in case you'd like to go that direction.  Good luck, and have a great semester!

Answer 2

Without a tuner, you will get nothing, period.  Any coaxial connection should go to a tuner so, if the set has one at all, it's not connected to anything.

So, your options are:

1. Purchase an ATSC digital Tuner.  This would allow you to watch Over The Air digital signals with an antenna and view them in actual HD when available.

2. Use a DTV converter box.  Make sure you get one with video outputs to feed video to your display.  Note that this will be analog video so it won't look really good - but you can do it.

3. Use something with a digital tuner like a DVD recorder as a tuner for your set.

4. Subscribe to cable or satellite and their box to supply video to your display.

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

Answer 3

Just call the cable provider of your college and ask them to get an HD set-top box and HD programming.