I can not get stations on my converter box?

Question

brand new antenna and box, hooked them up as directed and i don't get any stations using the box. still get stations when on antenna but not clear

Answer 1

Although digital TV signals deliver great pictures when they are strong enough, they deliver nothing at all when they are not.   That's the downside .... with analog, you can get a fuzzy picture and sometimes OK sound even if you're a very long way from the transmitter, but with digital, it's perfect or nothing.

If you're a long way from the transmitter(s), and I mean over 50 miles or so, you might first try adjusting the aim of the antenna. Most converter boxes give you a "signal strength" indicator somewhere to help with this.

If that doesn't help, you'll need a bigger antenna, or a pre-amplifier (preferably mounted on the mast next to the antenna).  But there will still be a lot of places in the country with marginal service now that will soon have less.

If you're within 25 miles and still can't get a signal, something else is wrong.  Have your local teenage video whiz check it out.

Answer 2

First, the basics.  Make sure you have the box scan for channels and that you have the TV set for the same channel that the box is outputting (usually channel 3 or 4).

Most of the time, being unable to receive channels is because of a poor signal into the converter box. In short, you need a better antenna and/or to re-aim the antenna you have.

Digital works a bit differently than analog. With analog, a poor signal would give you snow and ghosts. With digital, if the signal is not good enough for the box to decode, it will look like you are getting nothing even though you are getting something marginal. Also, many of the older stations on VHF (channels 2-13) have digital assignments in UHF (channels 14-52). And, some may move around after February 17. So, you must have a good quality VHF/UHF antenna.

Visit http://www.antennaweb.org and put in your ZIP code. You will get a list of stations in your area that you could expect to receive, suggestion on antennas for your unique situation and where to aim them.

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