Need feedback re: HDTV vs. antenna and converter box?

Question

We live in out in the country and don't have cable in the area. We currently have an antenna. In Feb 09 when the government goes from analog to digital, we have the option of spending lots of money for a new tv or trying an antenna with converter box. Do we need to get a different kind of antenna? Do we need a VCR with a receiver? Any help out there?

Answer 1

FOR THE MOST PART, you should get similar results, reception wise, from a converter box or a Digital TV.  The converter box is basically the tuner and decoding portion of a DTV set.

If you are currently receiving analog TV well (little or no "snow") you will probably be OK with the converter box or a new DTV.  If you are getting poor reception now, then you may have to upgrade your antenna system to make digital work.  In analog, you get snow.  In Digital, it either works or it doesn't with no in between.

The digital signals are in the air now, so I would suggest trying a converter box (the least expensive approach) to work out any reception issues you may encounter.  Then you can continue with the converter box or upgrade to a DTV if you wish.

You did mention a VCR.  You will need a converter box for the VCR if you want to continue using that.  If you want to watch one thing and record another, you will need two converter boxes or a converter box and a DTV set.

Here is a good resource for antennas and installation: http://www.antennaweb.org

Of course satellite is also an option in rural areas.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Your antenna should work fine with the convertor box. You do know the government is giving $40 coupons for the box, right?

Your other option is satellite television. DirecTV or Dish Network are a couple of choices, but they can get expensive real fast but work with regular TV.

Answer 3

Ok, from best to worst you go with :

HDTV

Your old TV with a digital reciever box....

Your VCR will only be able to record the channel  you presently have  the digital box set to, the box won't switch channels while you are at work or shopping....

Now if you get TWO digital boxes, you can record on the VCR while watching another TV program, but you still have to set the box to the channel you want to record, so if you TRY to record different stations at different times during the day, it won't work that way.....

You really need to find an ATSC recorder that can automatically change channels if you like to record various TV shows on different channels......

And.....you don't need to change your antenna unless it's broken.....the old one should work fine as long as it's in GOOD CONDITION.