The demise of analog TV is nearly upon us. Less than one year from now, on February 17, 2009, as decreed by the federal government, broadcasters will cease transmitting analog wave TV signals from their towers. At that point, millions of Americans may be in for a shocker if they haven’t prepared themselves ahead of time. The Zenith set-top-box profiled here is one tool analog TV users can enlist to help them glide through the digital transition.
First, a few housekeeping facts: The analog TV shutoff will not affect most Americans. The only TVs that will be affected are those that receive their signals from off-air analog broadcasts (antenna). If you get your programming from cable or satellite you are not affected. If you use an antenna and bought your TV within the last year you probably already have a digital ATSC tuner in it because all TVs sold since March 2007 were required to have a digital tuner (or be clearly marked as lacking one). I doubt that it’ll affect many E-Gear readers, but it may impact their analog aunts or grandparents. The National Association of Broadcasters estimates close to 20 million households rely exclusively on off-air broadcasts.
So what if you’re one of those 20 million households or you have an old TV in the garage that you still like to watch now and then? That’s where this Zenith box steps in. It’s a DTV tuner that will receive the new digital broadcast and convert it to an analog signal your old TV can handle. Aside from allowing you to use that 1970 TV for a few more years, it’ll also deliver an improved picture over the old analog one plus give you a rudimentary on-screen guide and extra channels that are only available digitally.
The government doesn’t want your old TV to go dead just yet, which is why it’s offering to help pay for a converter box. This Zenith box and others like it qualify for the federal DTV coupon program. Every household who applies is eligible for two coupons toward the purchase of two DTV boxes. Each coupon is worth $40, and the DTV boxes cost around $60 (you can’t combine the coupons to buy one box). The coupons will be honored at most major electronics stores like Best Buy, Circuit City and Radio Shack, but it’s best to ask first. To apply for the coupon go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-dtv-2009.
First, a few housekeeping facts: The analog TV shutoff will not affect most Americans. The only TVs that will be affected are those that receive their signals from off-air analog broadcasts (antenna). If you get your programming from cable or satellite you are not affected. If you use an antenna and bought your TV within the last year you probably already have a digital ATSC tuner in it because all TVs sold since March 2007 were required to have a digital tuner (or be clearly marked as lacking one). I doubt that it’ll affect many E-Gear readers, but it may impact their analog aunts or grandparents. The National Association of Broadcasters estimates close to 20 million households rely exclusively on off-air broadcasts.
So what if you’re one of those 20 million households or you have an old TV in the garage that you still like to watch now and then? That’s where this Zenith box steps in. It’s a DTV tuner that will receive the new digital broadcast and convert it to an analog signal your old TV can handle. Aside from allowing you to use that 1970 TV for a few more years, it’ll also deliver an improved picture over the old analog one plus give you a rudimentary on-screen guide and extra channels that are only available digitally.
The government doesn’t want your old TV to go dead just yet, which is why it’s offering to help pay for a converter box. This Zenith box and others like it qualify for the federal DTV coupon program. Every household who applies is eligible for two coupons toward the purchase of two DTV boxes. Each coupon is worth $40, and the DTV boxes cost around $60 (you can’t combine the coupons to buy one box). The coupons will be honored at most major electronics stores like Best Buy, Circuit City and Radio Shack, but it’s best to ask first. To apply for the coupon go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-dtv-2009.
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bought two of these, installed one last year in my RV and it worked fine. Installed the other this week in my RV and it won't work. So if you buy one don't let it sit in the box untill your are ready to use it as they won't take it back and it will cost you more to send it in than you paid for it.
How do you program the TV Power key?
The DTT900 doesn't have instructions to interface the "TV POWER" button with my RCA flatscreen. Does anybody know the secret?
hi i am in canada just north of toronto i use a radio shack powered dual antenna if i need to get the digital box will i still be able to receive my analog signal as were not converting for another couple of years
I have a Zenith 19" TV, circa 1995. I'ma having a problem in installing the converter box because I also have connected a DVD which requires an RF modulator connection. How do I connect because the TV antennae is connected to the RF Modulator in order to operate the DVD player.
Meee
There is a converter about the size of your thumb that you can get at Radio Shack. One end has the two wires that you would connect to your TV screws, the other end is a female coaxial jack. Probably cost you a buck or two.
Isabel, it could be a matter of antennna positioning or antenna type. check with www.antennaweb.org to find out what stations are available in your area and what direction they are from your location
I install the box, but I can't get the spanish channels
For The person that has satellite TV you don't need the converter box. But What about a poor sole like me that has a TV w/o Audio video or coaxial inputs? How do I hook up to the two little screws? Will the Gov't provide any more assistance?
I hooked up to Mitshubishi TVs with the power button and it works great. The key is to make sure you are using the channel button and not the UP/Down arrors
I have 2 of these, as does my neighbor. We setup all four and they work great. With one exception.. None of the 4 tuners seems to want to work with any of the 4 tube sets to program the t/v power button on the remote. Has anyone been able to program the DTT900 remote to power on/ off your t/v? Seems like a bug, since all four are doing the same thing, and this is on 4 different sets, all of which are listed in the applicable models section of the manual.
I have the DTT900 and have checked the antenna site, tried 5 different antennsa tried pointing in the proper direction. Less than 10 miles from broadcast antenna. Still I have frequent break-up in the picture and sound. Any suggestions?
I can't get it hooked up on my tv. What do I do to get it to work?
I have a satellite dish that I am unable to receive channels when I hook up my DTT900, anyone have any ideas how to remedy this?
Try checking the www.antennaweb.org to verify the direction and distance of the digital transmitters in your area. The site will also provide recommendations on the model antenna that works best for your location.
I am unable to receive anything digital above channel 10 locally as I get "no signal" on Dtt 900. I have an older directional 1997 outside antenna. Any suggestions?