How do I Install a Digital Converter Box, VCR, and DVD Player?
Pamela recently posted a question:
I have a DTV digital converter box but I have both the DVD and a VCR that I would like to connect and to watch, first I can’t the proper connection and second I can’t figure out how to get it to play now, can you help guide me, I do have the Antenna in going into the DTG box and the Antenna out going to the T.V. what must I do with the Red yellow and white wires I have out on converter box and in on the VCR, I only have on my DVD Coaxial and Antenna out can you help me. And how to I get to the proper channel to see them, does the DTV box go on standby while I am using the VCR or DVD? I do need some help with this, please
Hey there Pamela,
I’m making a couple of assumptions with my recommendations below. The first assumption is that you have a TV manufactured in the past 15 years that has 2 Composite (3 wire) inputs and a VCR with 1 Composite input and 1 Composite output. They’re pretty standard inputs/outputs, so I’ll move on to the installation.
Here’s what I recommend…
(By the way, if these directions seem a little tough to understand, I’ve found some digital converter box installation videos that may be helpful.)
1. I’m going to assume you already have the DVD player connected (3 Wires from the DVD player into the TV input). You’ll want to leave that connection as it is.
2. Next let’s focus on the converter box/VCR/TV, we’ll want to hook up wires from the Digital Converter Box to take that signal to the VCR, which we’ll then route to the TV. So…. It’ll go in this order… Converter Box ——–> VCR ——> TV
Lets start with the Converter Box to the VCR. Run a composite cable(3 Wires Yellow/Video, 1 Red/1 White/Audio) from the output of your digital converter box, to the input composite connection holes of your VCR.
Then, let’s take the signal from the VCR to the TV. To do that, you’ll have to run a 2nd composite cable from your VCR composite output to your television composite input.
3. That’s it. I’m not sure if you’re going to use an antenna, but I highly recommend getting an indoor antenna to improve DTV reception.
4. When you power on your TV, remember that you’ll have to have both the VCR on and the converter box powered on as well to watch or record digital television. You’ll have to change the TV channel to either channel-3, channel-4, or “Input” because some of the newer model TVs are set up that way and then use the remote for the converter box to change channels.
5. Want to see a video example of this DTV installation? Check out http://www.revver.com/video/847029/connect-cecb-dtv-converter-box-to-vcr/
Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions.
Jay
Where is my Digital Converter Box Coupon?
Sandra recently posted a question:
I REQUESTED A COUPON FOR MY TV ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO.WHEN CAN I EXPECT THE REQUEST FOR THE CONVERTER BOX.
Hello Sandra,
Thanks for your question. Here is a link for you to browse when you get a chance…
http://www.tvconversionhelp.com/2008/05/15/dtv-coupon/
Towards the bottom of the page is a section titled “Where is My Converter Coupon?” with a link for checking the status of your coupon. You’ll probably get a message that basically tells you that your order has been received and tell you a “scheduled mail date”.
As of lately, I’ve heard that the coupons are being delivered anywhere between 10 to 45 days past the scheduled delivery date.
If you placed your order about 2 months ago, that means you’re about 5 or so days past your scheduled mail date, so you’ll probably see the coupons around the end of May, beginning of June.
Hope this helped, let me know if you have any other questions.
Jay
Will I Need A Converter Box to Watch DTV With My VCR?
Daniel recently posted a question:
I have a Magnavox model No. 19PR14 C227 with a Magnavox modelVRT342 video cassette recorder. I do not know if the vcr has a built in digital converter. Do I need to install a digital converter to receive digital TV signals?
Hello Daniel,
After doing some net research, that particular Magnavox TV model was manufactured around 1996. Is that correct?
It looks like you will need a converter box since 99% of all VCRs do not have a built in digital converter (Just recently in the past 2 months, a few VCR manufacturers have starting producing VCRs with digital converters, but I don’t think it’s going to become a popular option due to the popularity of Digital Video Records (DVRs).
You’ll only need 1 converter and will need to connect it to your VCR, then run a cable from your VCR to your TV. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
Jay
Executive Director of TV Network exclaims “I Don’t Think This Country Is Ready” For DTV
Tom Howe, executive director of North Carolina’s UNC-TV network thinks the government will probably delay the Feb. 17th, 2009, analog shut-off.
“People are confused and the affordable digital-to-analog converter boxes are arriving too late in the stores. I don’t think this country is ready”
Michael Soper, DTV consultant and former PBS exec has some not so cheery comments but is doubtful about Congress extending the digital transition deadline:
“We’re burning daylight, and we’re not going to get it back. I don’t think it’s going to be one of those times where Congress says, “Oh, we’ll give them another year.””
Is the Coupon Program Leaving Out Some Consumers?
The story, located at current.org, talks about the converter subsidy plan and its shortcomings.
The coupon program has a caveat which allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes, but under the government’s definition, a “household” consists of all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as a separate U.S. postal address.
Which means, Nursing home residences will get left behind if Congress or the FCC doesn’t change the rules on what constitutes a “homeowner”. Nursing homes traditionally house up to hundreds of clients, with TVs traditionally located within each of their rooms.
The Publics Critical Eye towards DTV
PBS has poured research into best ways to educate TV fans how to prepare for the DTV transition.
The typical reaction from consumers? “Why is this happening?”. PBS found that about the only way to “soften the blow” was to inform the consumer that DTV would clear spectrum for first responders such as police, firemen, and emergency vehicles.
TVConversionHelp Comments: Post your reaction to DTV in our forums located at http://www.dtvcouponhelp.com/viewforum.php?f=16
Can i Set the VCR for timer recording without having to set the digital converter box to the channel I want to record?
A recent email to TVConversionhelp asks:
We installed the Magnavox DTV Converter through our VCR, can I set the VCR for timer recording without having to set the converter box to the channel I want to record? We have asked several different “customer service reps.” and get different answers. If not, I guess I have to live with it.
Thank you,XXXX
Hello and thank you for your question. It sounds like you want the VCR to change the channel at a specific time to record what you want to watch like it used to do when you watchedanalog television?
Wow, this is a situation I haven’t come across yet, but I’m willing to bet it’s going to affect quite a few people.
Bad News for “Auto” Recording Digital Programs on Your VCR
Unfortunately, your VCR won’t be able to switch the channel on your converter box when its ready to record at the time you set it for. You will be able to still record digital programs and set the auto timer to start at the time of your choice, but you’ll have to manually switch the TV channel by hand before the VCR starts recording.
Why?
Your VCR has the option to auto record and change the channel on analog TV becuase it has it’s own “analog” converter built-in, but since it’s now connected to the digital converter box….it no longer has the ability to change channels due to that converter box now being the tuner/receiver of television channels.
Good luck and if you want, send me the make/model of your VCR….I can check with the manufacture and see what they suggest.
If I Have Cable Do I Need A Converter Box?
Barbara on TVConversionhelp asks:
If I have cable with Time Warner do I need a converter box?
Hello Barbara,
After doing a little bit of browsing on Time Warner Cable’s webpage. I found the following link:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/Corporate/Products/DigitalCable/dtv/default.html?menu=27671
which states that:
“As long as your televisions are connected to Time Warner Cable service, you’ll continue to enjoy all your favorite channels and shows after the digital transition. We’ve got you covered!”
So, as long as your television set is hooked up to one of their cable boxes, you’ll be able to watch television after the February 17th, 2009 digital transition.
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Jay
Our digital converter box has a coax connector labled “in from antenna” and a different type of input for a smart antenna, what are these?
Liz recently asked a question on TVConversionHelp
I have received my coupons and am now waiting to get my converter boxes,there is a waiting list, however when I saw one (rca) I noticed it has a coax connector for “in from antenna” and a different type of input for a smart antenna, what are these? Is the coax for my outdoor pole antenna? Where would I get a “smart Antenna” and if over the air antenna’s will no longer be functional, why the coax input?
Hello Liz,
I’ve just recently heard of this smart antenna option being available on Converter Boxes. I’m going to post something directly from Wikipedia that best explains what a Smart Antenna setup is.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_antenna
In 2008, the United States National Telecommunications and Information Administration began a major effort to persuade consumers to purchase digital television converter boxes.[1] Through this effort, many people have been exposed to the concept of smart antennas for the first time. In the context of consumer electronics, a “smart antenna” is one that conforms to the EIA/CEA-909 Standard Interface, such as the model DTA-5000 marketed by Sylvania.[2]
My honest opinion? I’d stick with a regular antenna setup (and I consider myself….somewhat tech savvy).
Anyway, to answer your coax question, yes, you can hook up your coax cable from your outdoor antenna to the converter box. The honest truth about regular antennas and DTV antennas is that they are basically one and the same. Other than some tricky marketing, there isn’t anything that’s different about an advertised DTV antenna and an antenna not marketed as a DTV antenna.
Good luck and let me know if this helps.
Jay
Will I Need A Digital Converter Box For The VCR if I have a Digital TV?
Larry recently sent in a question asking:
I currently record shows on my vcr from my digital tv during the day while at work, will i need a converter for the vcr?
Good afternoon Larry,
I have a couple of questions for you before I can answer your question.
#1. Do you have a digital TV with a built in digital converter? (If you don’t know, skip this question)
#2. When you watch TV, does your VCR have to be turned on to receive regular television channels? (Reason why I ask, is if you’re using your TV’s digital converter to receive television signals and not your VCR’s analog receiver, you should be fine.)
I think you should be good, but, if you want to email me and let me know what Television Model including part # you have, I can give you a more accurate answer.
Unfortunately, some TV’s were sold as “Digital Ready” but did not include a digital receiver, so hopefully yours came equipped with one.
