Conversion to digital generates reader buzz
By BILL HUSTED
Cox News Service
May 25, 2008
Q: I have received two coupons for TV converter boxes. Included with the coupons was a list of about 34 manufacturers. My question: are all converter boxes basically equal? If not, is there a source where one could get ratings? Also, several models were identified as being able to pass through an analog signal. Is this an advantage?
— Bob Tawes
A: I have not reviewed the various converter boxes. But I found this Web page from Consumer Reports that offered general advice.
As for the other question, the "pass through" feature only matters to those who live — or might move to — extremely rural areas that are served by what are called low-powered television stations. These tiny stations are generally located in areas not otherwise served by any or at least many regular TV stations. They will be allowed to continue broadcasting in analog after the mandated switch to digital.
That creates a problem. Most converter boxes will simply take the digital signals received and convert them into analog form for older TVs. But if some stations in the area are still broadcasting in analog — the lower-powered stations I mentioned — those signals would not pass through the converter box.
So that's the value in the boxes you are seeing that pass through analog signals.
Another digital conversion question follows:
Q: With another hurricane season coming, how will we be able to use [non-digital] battery-operated portable TVs, which were so comforting during the past storms? Will the old TVs need a portable adapter? Is there such an animal?
— Phyllis Krebs
A: There's been quite a bit of e-mail from Florida, all expressing the same worry. The quick answer is that you would need a battery-powered converter to use with that battery-powered TV. I do not know of one — but maybe there is one on the market.
Best Buy last week told me it plans to market a digital-ready portable soon. There are already a few on the market. This is the URL for one of them: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014KS9B2. It sells for $145 and includes a DVD player. I am not recommending for or against the TV.
A Google search using the terms "digital battery-powered TV" will turn up others.
Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.
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