Outdoor Dtv Antenna

RCA Digital Converter Box

As of June 12th 2009, All US television broadcast stations began broadcastings solely in digital signals. All analog broadcasts have ceased. With it many people can no longer watch television. That is unless they have cable, satellite, or a digital converter box.

This is one of the boxes that are available to purchase with the coupon you can get from the FCC which takes $40.00 off the price. So you end up paying $9.97 at Wal-Mart for the RCA Digital Converter Box.

The RCA Digital Converter Box has the option of being set up vertically which is a bit different than the other converter boxes I have seen.

The RCA Digital Converter Box has a remote control that is included has larger buttons, which is great for any older folks who might be using it. It is not perfect however. While the video quality is excellent, there is no guided setup to make it easy for those who are digital amateurs. If you know your way around a cable box, you probably won't have any problem setting it up. When you first plug in the box, it starts on channel 0-0. This is a non-existing channel, which might make one think the box was installed incorrectly.

Once it has been set up, the RCA Digital Converter Box does have an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that shows nine channels. It includes a "What's on Now", and a "What's on Next" feature.

Connecting the RCA Digital Converter Box is simple enough, as there are two RF style F-connectors. (cable style connectors) One is for the antenna in, the other connects to the TV. You also have the option of using composite video output along with stereo analog RCA outputs, (The red, yellow, white outputs)If you have the option you will get much better picture and sound quality if you use this.

If you have a Smart Antenna (one that will automatically move toward the signal for different stations, the RCA Digital Converter Box includes a port for using it.

The box for the RCA Digital Converter Box has the unit, two AA batteries for the remote, and a single RF cable. It would have been nice if RCA had included the composite video cable, and the Stereo RCA cables, but considering the government is paying for the lion's share of the RCA Digital Converter Box you can't have everything.

For the most part, the RCA Digital Converter Box delivers a good picture and audio to your television. When the alternative is not being able to watch your old set, or having to get cable or satellite if you don't want it. This is a good deal.