Will we have to have cable service to receive TV signal w/ the converter boxes next Feb?

Question

We only have an antenna, and no cable service. We got a box converter this week and was not able to even pick up any stations but our local PBS station. With just the regular antenna without the box we now get 2 other stations.

Answer 1

Be sure you have a good UHF antenna.. or you might want to go to the local radio shack and buy a bowtie indoor antenna

for $3.99  and hook that up to your converter box..

Youll be amazed on how many stations you'll be able to pick up.

Provided you're near a major city..

I'm near NYC and can pick all the stations up except for

CH 13...  

not bad for a $4 investment.

Answer 2

no u will not with the box u will b able to watch ur tv without cable

Answer 3

i wouldnt think you would have to get cable to receive the signal with the new converter box.  they say if you have cable now, you dont need a box, so that wouldnt make sense that you had to get cable.  i would assume you would get the same channels that you get now with your antenna that you will get next february with antenna and box.  sorry i dont know more about this, but i'm sure i will find out, i know several people in your situation. good luck!!

Answer 4

You can still have off air antenna service, but a TV without the ability to receive a digital signal, (most), will need a converter box that converts the digital broadcast signal from the air into a signal that your TV can understand.  You do not need cable or satellite service.  The government is giving out $40 coupons towards there converters since they are forcing it upon you.  They need to free up the off air bandwidth.