TV converter boxes work with older analog TVs, allowing owners to keep using them after the digital transfer in June 2009. After that date, all U.S. television stations will broadcast in digital, which means that analog TVs need a converter box to receive any stations. Converter boxes retail for about $50 to $80 and are available at any electronics store. But which one should you buy? The answer depends on your particular needs.
Instructions
1. Consider the quality of the picture. Although converter boxes can't provide HD quality, their signals should be strong and clear regardless (about equal to the image quality of a standard DVD). Compare the converter's digital tuner and make sure it can provide a solid image even if the signal from the TV station is weak.
2. See if the converter box has an analog pass-through option. Certain small local stations might continue to broadcast in analog after the crossover date. A converter box with analog pass-through allows you to keep watching them. Otherwise, those stations will be cut off.
3. Check the electronic programming guide feature of the converter box. This displays information about the show currently being aired, such as the title, its content and upcoming programming. Some TV converter boxes provide more elaborate information than others, which could be a factor in deciding which one to buy.
4. Count up the number of other devices connected to your TV and make sure the converter box has outlets for all of them. This is especially important when it comes to a VCR. You can record shows with it only by hooking it up to the converter box (usually through RCA A/V cables, which are labeled red, white and yellow).
5. Think about buying a second converter box. Although you can record shows on a VCR using just one converter box, you won't be able to record one show while watching another. A second converter box, however, will allow you to do so. If you have the means and sometimes want to watch two shows airing at the same time, you should seriously consider it.
6. Examine any closed-caption options if you are hard of hearing. Many converter boxes offer closed captioning, but some may be more elaborate and/or user-friendly than others. Ask for a demonstration of the closed-captioning facilities before you buy.
7. Look for a converter with an aspect ratio adjuster. Digital TV shows are sometimes broadcast using a different screen ratio than the kind your TV has. A converter box that lets you adjust the ratio ensures that the image never appears distorted or cut off.
8. After you've decided on the features that suit you best, shop around at different stores to find the digital converter box with the best possible price.
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