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Rec'd my digital TV Converter Box Coupons from the Govt

71.196.223.228

https://www.dtv2009.gov/

I've been playing with free over the air HDTV for several years now using various HD Tuners (converter boxes) including a Samsung and one by Humax. The antenna I used was a $20 outdoor UHF unit from RadioShack. I had it pointed at the high rise buildings downtown but now that the new broadcast tower is up on a mountain top, I may get by with a tiny indoor antenna. I haven't tried it yet.

We applied for our $40 Converter Box coupons a few weeks ago and they just arrived. I'm not sure if the "eligible converter boxes" have HDMI or Component Video outputs but they will most certainly have Composite Out (which won't be sufficient for true hi-def quality video but it will allow older sets to get the new digital broadcasts). I'll be researching some of the converter boxes.

We applied for the coupon online beyond what was the cut off date. I'm not sure if the cut off date for applications has been revised.

Here's what the credit card like plastic "coupons" look like:

Here's the outdoor UHF antenna that I may no longer need:

Follow Ups:

specific parameters - Joe Murphy Jr 19:27:27 05/21/08 (1)
For the $40 rebate, the tuner must only output SD analog video -- no component, DVI or HDMI outputs are allowed.

That's not to say hacks aren't possible.
:-)
- RE: specific parameters - AbeCollins 22:14:33 05/21/08 (0)
  "For the $40 rebate, the tuner must only output SD analog video -- no component, DVI or HDMI outputs are allowed."
  
  Oh well, thanks for the clarification. At least we'll be able to use a couple of the old TVs if we wish (the ones that are not on cable in the spare bedrooms).
None that I've bought or seen have high-def capability. - Wendell Narrod 17:51:06 05/21/08 (1)
Why would they? If you have an HDTV it has an ATSC tuner.
- RE: None that I've bought or seen have high-def capability. - AbeCollins 19:04:18 05/21/08 (0)
  "None that I've bought or seen have high-def capability.... Why would they? If you have an HDTV it has an ATSC tuner."
  
  Not necessarily.
  
  Most early "HDTV" capable TV sets did not include a built-in ATSC tuner. My Sony 34-inch XBR CRT has an outstanding high resolution screen but no ATSC tuner. Same for my early Plasma screen TV. Yet, both of these sets have component video and/or DVI inputs that will take a hi-rez signal from a cable tv converter, HD tuner, Blu-ray player, etc.
  
  The more costly HD ATSC tuners do in fact have component video or HDMI outputs. My Samsung and Humax HD tuners both have component video outputs and Humax also has HDMI. But since the "cheapie" units that are "coupon eligible" are simply meant to give old analog sets access to the new digital formats, it's not clear to me if any of them will have more than a channel 3/4 RF modulator, composite video, or maybe S-video outputs.
RE: Rec'd my digital TV Converter Box Coupons from the Govt - Jack G 14:31:37 05/21/08 (1)
Keep your antenna. You may still need it.
- I mean those that are eligible with the coupons. - Wendell Narrod 08:55:54 05/22/08 (0)
  NT

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