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Should I buy a converter box? Maybe a new TV?

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HomeBrewerDude

HomeBrewerDude

Lifer
Here is my situation.

We don't have cable or dish service, and have an older TV. Right now the only channel in my area that is still broadcasting in analog is the PBS channel.

I watch very little TV. Wife watches most of her shows on-line. We subscribe to Netflex too.

Our children watch some TV, but have admittedly watch less since most of the networks here have stopped analog broadcasting. We also have a fairly good collection of DVDs and VHS for them if needed.

So how should I solve this problem? Is it a problem at all?

I'm leaning towards a flat panel something in the 600 - 700 range. The old TV would become a dedicated console game monitor.

Although it would be a lot cheaper to get a converter box.
 
I don't need a box because we have cable. If I didn't watch much TV, I would just get the TV over-the-air and save a ton of money. If you want HD, then a new TV is needed.
 
Another vote for a coupon + converter box for $10 out of pocket (if not free).

Most "digital" stuff is still in 4:3 format so on the HDTV it's going to be either a little box in the middle of the TV or will be stretched to fit.

For as little as you watch, and as little as kids care, why bother?
 
Originally posted by: vi edit
Another vote for a coupon + converter box for $10 out of pocket (if not free).

Most "digital" stuff is still in 4:3 format so on the HDTV it's going to be either a little box in the middle of the TV or will be stretched to fit.

For as little as you watch, and as little as kids care, why bother?
Click to expand...

This
 
Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Originally posted by: vi edit
Another vote for a coupon + converter box for $10 out of pocket (if not free).

Most "digital" stuff is still in 4:3 format so on the HDTV it's going to be either a little box in the middle of the TV or will be stretched to fit.

For as little as you watch, and as little as kids care, why bother?
Click to expand...

This
Click to expand...

thanks for thinking for me!

:beer: :beer: :beer:
:beer: :beer: :beer:
:beer: :beer: :beer:
 
I say get the converter box. Too bad you might have missed the government coupon window. You will likely be put on a waiting list at this point and you have to hope that someone else's coupon expires.

With my box, I got about 10 additional channels that I never had with analog. And the channels that I have are far better quality with the box. It is nearly the perfect solution for someone who rarely watches TV. They aren't perfect, of course since if you get low reception you get no picture unlike analog that at least gave you something to attempt to watch through the fuzz.

Of course, a new TV with digital capabilities is another good option (especially if you will use it a lot for Netflix). But, I don't see why you can't wait another couple of years while your older TV still works. The new TVs will just get better and cheaper while you wait.
 
well, I would have said just get converter box being that you claim to rarely watch TV as it is. But you're already leaning towards getting a new flat panel...so I'll just go ahead and nudge you in that direction :evil:

In all honesty, though, if TV is not that big of a deal, just go with the box. If all you need is a few bits of news here and there, then why replace it if it's already working for you?
 
Originally posted by: vi edit
Another vote for a coupon + converter box for $10 out of pocket (if not free).

Most "digital" stuff is still in 4:3 format so on the HDTV it's going to be either a little box in the middle of the TV or will be stretched to fit.

For as little as you watch, and as little as kids care, why bother?
Click to expand...

I don't know what you're watching, but almost everything I tune into is widescreen HD.
 
Originally posted by: sswingle
Originally posted by: vi edit
Another vote for a coupon + converter box for $10 out of pocket (if not free).

Most "digital" stuff is still in 4:3 format so on the HDTV it's going to be either a little box in the middle of the TV or will be stretched to fit.

For as little as you watch, and as little as kids care, why bother?
Click to expand...

I don't know what you're watching, but almost everything I tune into is widescreen HD.
Click to expand...

Maybe he is talking about watching with the convertaor box since it just turns the signal down to SD.



But i have new TVs and 1 old TV with a convertor box in my shop. No Cable bill for me. 🙂
 
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