How to Buy an ATSC Tuner

On June 12, 2009, commercial television stations in the United States stopped broadcasting analog signals. This meant that as of that date, owners of old-style analog TVs could no longer pick up over-the-air broadcasts other than those from smaller, low-power stations that still use analog technology. Analog TV is sometimes referred to as the NTSC (National Television System Committee) standard. All TVs sold in the United States since March 2007 have been required to have digital tuners (ATSC or Advanced Television Systems Committee). For an analog TV to receive digital over-the-air broadcasts, it must be connected to a digital-to-analog converter which includes an ATSC tuner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Coaxial converters (optional)

Smart Shopping

1. 
    
   Philips Coaxial Adapters

   Look at the connections available on your analog TV. Some older TVs offer no audio or antenna connections other than two or four screws where one or two flat, twin-lead wires from an external antenna can be connected. However, ATSC tuners connect to TVs via coaxial cables.
   These older TVs need small, inexpensive adapters available from most electronics stores. These adapters may be sold as "antenna adapters," "coaxial adapters" or "75-to-300-ohm transformers," since that is the electrical conversion they make.

2. Check the features of the ATSC tuner you are considering to see if it offers something called "analog pass-through." This means that the unit will allow both digital and analog signals to pass through, thus allowing you to receive analog signals from low-power stations without having to remove the converter box from between the TV and its antenna.

3. Check the specifications of the ATSC tuner you are considering to see it comes with a programmable remote control. These remotes, once programmed for your TV, will allow you to use a single device to operate your TV as well as the ATSC tuner.

Tips & Warnings

• The last day for new applications for the $40 analog-to-digital converter box coupon was July 31, 2009. However, you may still use the FCC Web site to check on the status of coupon requests placed before that date.

References

• FCC DTV Site
• FCC DTV Glossary
• FCC TV Converter Box Coupon Program