- A digital TV converter helps convert digital signals being transmitted over the air into a signal that an older, analog TV can read.
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Local network TV stations soon will be required to transmit their signals in a digital format, under a government law meant to unclog the airwaves from all the frequencies from analog signals. The digital signal is of a shorter frequency, meaning it's available in a more localized region. For cable and satellite subscribers, this isn't a problem.
The problem is posed, though, for owners of older television sets that are still getting channels via an antenna.
The digital signal transmitted from local TV stations is picked up by an antenna, but if there isn't anything to convert the signal--like a digital converter box--the TV picture will be fuzzy. Once the converter is connected to the antenna and TV, viewers should be able to see their regular local channels in a digital picture. - If you have an antenna, connect the coaxial cable running from the antenna to the antenna line-in or line-in port on the digital converter box. Next, connect the TV to the line-out port on the digital converter box. Turn the TV on, turn the digital converter on and you will have digital channels with your old TV.
- Connect the digital converter box to the antenna, but use a coaxial cable to connect the line-out port of the digital converter box to the antenna in port on the VCR. Then connect the line-out port on the VCR--as you normally would--to your television. You will be able to change channels and record programming with your VCR like normal.
