<p>So, I finally went out and got a) a new antenna (a multi-directional flat thing from RCA for under $30), and b) a converter box for our crappy little portable tube TV. OMG!! I can’t believe how much better the reception/picture is!</p>
<p>I still can’t get PBS and Fox–maybe I’ll have better luck if I roll it into the living room–but the other stations are amazing! Now I’m thinking I’ll see if I can get a better TV on Craig’s List.</p>
<p>I realize that I am probably in the extreme minority, but if there are other people here without cable, and with a portable TV and an indoor antenna, you will be so happy when you make the switch!</p>
<p>We just converted last weekend and we too were amazed by the picture quality. However, the sound drops out, just like with a cell phone. We can even hear that “buh-duh-bup” sound, as if it’s channeling a cell phone call on occasion. Also, the picture breaks up in weird ways once in a while. Is there any way to fix this?</p>
<p>bela, probably get a better antenna. My understanding is that such issues are the digital version of “bad reception.” If it’s really bad, you just don’t get any picture at all.</p>
<p>I’m with you in the no-cable camp. We have two converter boxes and are awaiting two more from a relative who bought them but then got cable. Right now, the only channel that went ahead and made the conversion (and so aren’t available on the TVs without a converter box) is the local CBS affiliate. Thankfully, the only must-see CBS shows are 60 Minutes and Amazing Race.</p>
<p>Another no cable household here. I haven’t even sent for my converter box coupons yet. I’m happy it was put off until June. And who watches TV in the summer? I think I will get my news from the radio.</p>
<p>Lucky all of you. My H bought the boxes months ago. All our local affiliates switched on Feb. 17. He went to hook them up on …Feb. 17th. Sigh…no signal at all. We live an hour from the stations; that was the fringe of their analog signal. Digital doesn’t reach as far, so NO reception. These were bunny ear sets.</p>
<p>We live in a rural area, but there are many areas of this country far more rural. Not everyone wants or can afford $70/mo. for Directv. I’m interested to see how many people are affected after the entire country switches.</p>
<p>I too hooked mine up and no signal. I am only about 40 miles from downtown Atlanta, but still no signal. I was told I would need a rooftop antenna, but I am in a condo that would not allow that. </p>
<p>Hmom5, how do you make a computer into a TV?</p>
<p>Ok - folks here’s the deal. Bunny ears are VHF antennaes. You also need the round antennae - which is UHF to get both UHF and VHF signals. I’m sure your viewing area has both. Rabbit ears are probably not going to pick up the digital signals. You can buy an indoor antennae and try this - hook it up to your Television. Make sure it is VHF/UHF. You can even try running it over to a nearby window to see if you can get signal. If not - you can try an antennae in your attic. Your best bet is an outdoor antennae. You will be surprised how much better the picture is when you get this hooked up.</p>
<p>Remember - you may need to rescan, or autoscan to get the signals. Channels will be changing, have been changing f - will change frequencies - and you need to rescan, or autoscan your set. So if you aren’t getting a station - try this. If you lose a station, try this. Then try it again.</p>
<p>When the picture breaks up - this is called pixilating. It means the signal is not strong enough. If there is not a signal - it will just be black. Unlike analog - when you might get a snowy picture, with digital, you just won’t get it. If your signal is breaking up - you might try a line amplifier or signal booster. You can pick one up for a reasonable price from an electronics store. They hook up between your antennae and the tv set.</p>
<p>It may be - that a station is broadcasting in both digital and analog right now. It may be the station is in digital only, some (not many) are in analog only. Most converter boxes will not pass through an analog signal. So - you may need to go back to an over-the-air reception - without the box - to get those analog only stations. If in doubt- call you local stations and ask. </p>
<p>Many stations are broadcasting more than one signal - so you might be able to get several channels. For example, most PBS stations are broadcasting more than one - so you might now have three broadcast PBS stations.</p>
<p>GA2012MOM - try hooking up an antennae and running it to your window. You might be surprised what you can get. Also a booster or amplifier might help.</p>
<p>sryrstress The coverage area for digital should not be smaller than analog - and certainly not all of the analog signals in your area. Digital signals travel a bit differently - but in general they are better and stronger signals. So - I don’t think this is your problem - especially when you are not getting any of them. If there are mountains in your area - this could be the issue. Are you sure your box is hooked up right? Also - there is almost one analog station left in every market - I’m surprised you don’t have at least one analog station still available - are you sure? You can PM me and I can try to troubleshoot for you.</p>
<p>Ok - here’s my speech. If haven’t seen it - newspapers are folding all over the country. Rocky Mountain news - printed for 150 years - just shut down today. The daily in San Francisco and Seattle - are for sale - or might close. Newspapers and local television stations provide local news, jobs, and a way for your local businesses to advertise their businesses - which in turn aids your local economy and provides more jobs. Be careful about abandoning all of these mediums - there will be lots of consequences. One of which - will be a void of local news and information from your communities.</p>
<p>We use indoor rabbit ear antenna plopped on the top of our tvs and are lucky to pick up great HD tv. Only weird thing is that the audio is sometimes a millisecond out of sync - though not always. We are fairly close to the TV towers so get great reception. I love the two new PBS stations we get.</p>
<p>Isnt’ it great. If you have a new television set - you can get amazing free over-the-air high definition television. If you don’t and use a converter box - you can still get an amazing picture. The best picture you can get - is FREE over the air.</p>