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,
Some converter boxes have the option (or feature) that allows you to connect a smart antenna to it. Here’s some information directly from Wikipedia which can best explain what a Smart Antenna 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]
I’ve modified my asnwer here on 4-5-2009 about smart antennas and using them. Visit: Broadcast and Engineering’s Smart Antenna Information Page for an in depth look at smart antennas and their functionality.
On your coax question, yes, you can hook up your coax cable from your outdoor antenna to the converter box.
A side note about antennas and DTV antennas. 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
I live less than 5 miles outside Washington, D.C., and recently purchased the Apex DT250A converter box. A good set of rabbit ears (VHF/UHF loop) works generally OK – BUT must be adjusted from time to time even when a “relatively” stable signal from a given local digital broadcast station falls in the “good” range. The signal strength meter almost constantly indicates minor (sometimes larger) changes in strength, but then unexpectedly the signal drops to zero for no apparent reason(s) and the picture “freezes” or is lost completely. Will a “smart antenna” (like the RCA ANT2000) really help me (if I can even find one) or will it suffer the same issues? If not the RCA ANT2000, then is there any other “smart antenna” which would actually work better? Some reports I’ve come across indicate the ANT2000 works at least to a degree, and others indicated it didn’t do anything better than a $3 dollar set of “rabbit ears.”
The RCA ANT2000 does work incredibly well for me. Unfortunately, RCA discontinued the ANT2000 during the summer of 2009 (so I couldn’t purchase a second one). The Apex SM620 looks to be a functionally identical replacement though….
The APEX SM620 “smart antenna” is not yet available. Called Apex and told to call back in three weeks. Don’t know what the cost will be. It appears to be functionally identical to the RCA ANT2000 but is in black and with a cradle to stand it up on. Unclear whether or not RCA will come out with a follow-on or an improved “super smart antenna” which would allow it to “follow” the incoming signals as atmosphere and other conditions change and thus not require the occasional manual reset necessary with the ANT2000.
Apex SM620 Amplified HDTV Indoor Antenna with Smart Technology
http://www.apexdigitalinc.com/proddetail.asp?linenumber=8&c=No
The most technically advanced innovation in terrestrial antennas! The SM620 Smart antenna receives digital signals from all directions and automatically self-adjusts to optimize performance of local broadcast reception.
Apex introduces the SM620, a flat and decorative dual-purpose amplified HDTV antenna that is a perfect companion to any television or DTV converter box including those that feature the standard Smart antenna interface (EIA/ CEA-909). It’s the most technically advanced innovation in terrestrial antennas. The SM620 Smart antenna receives local digital signals from all directions and automatically self-adjusts to optimize the performance of your favorite local television broadcasts. Hang it on the wall, lay it flat, or stand it up vertically in its cradle.