Why wont my digital converter box pick anything up?

Question

when i ave my outdor antenna hooked straight to the tv, it gets channels pretty good..but when i hookup the antenna to the box and the box to the tv, the converter box doesnt find any channels. whats the problem?? the wires are in the right spots, their on tight.

Answer 1

Are you getting signals directly from the main transmitters or are you getting signals from translators.  A translator is just a low signal device used to fill in small areas.  If you're in one of these areas, you might not be receiving the digital signals.  Are your analog stations weak, ghosty, or do they have static in them.  Analog signals can be received even when they're very weak.  Digital signals are all or nothing.  Either you get a good, clear signal or nothing at all.    

This does bring up an interesting point.  Are the translators going to be switched to digital or will the stations just abandon them?