Did I tell you HDTV passed me by?

[bucolic_frolic]

Any recommendations for a simple HDTV converter? No frills. Was surprised to learn they have upscale models with stereo audio in/out, HDMI in, USB capability. Um, I just want to watch TV occasionally. Been 6 years without it, haven't missed it much.

Thanks

[masmdu]

1. Leap frog on to UHD-TV (4k)

The picture is amazing (4x times HDTV). We got a nice one by Hisense also with great sound for about $400.

[ramblin_dave]

2. You should be able to find a no frills model on ebay...

I assume you have an old analog TV and just want a cheap converter. Here's one on ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tested-and-Working-Insignia-NS-DXA1-HDTV-Converter-Box-Tuner-ATSC-no-Remote/201734960118?epid=27011032578&hash=item2ef85733f6:g:JfYAAOSwOdpXyFyb

[bucolic_frolic]

3. Thanks it's a good idea

that's what i'm thinking too. My TV is not that old, it was among the last Toshiba models made with full jack packs, bargain price, almost flat screen and best CRT picture ever. For what I do with them not worth an upgrade.

[ramblin_dave]

4. I just noticed that the ebay item has no remote

but there are plenty other listings with remote.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. To ask a dumb question

Do I need a remote? Or can I just set it up and use the TV remote, and the VCR remote, and the DVR remote, and the Computer remote?

I have several remotes already that I barely know how to operate. Off/on, sound, change channel, change input is all I do with it.

[ramblin_dave]

6. The other remotes won't work

The HDTV converter will need its own remote, one that designed to communicate with it. Without a remote you can change channels with the up and down buttons on the converter. But other features such as the guide, zoom features, etc will be unavailable.

Here's one with remote...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Insignia-Digital-TV-Converter-Box-DTV-Tuner-NS-DXA1-APT/273071285010?hash=item3f94512312:g:jHIAAOSw3SFahhOI

Here's a remote only...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-INSIGNIA-AKB36157101-Remote-NS-DXA1-NSDXA1-NS-DXA1APT-NSDXA1AP-TESTED/312086364983?epid=1800243319&hash=item48a9cc0337:g:InMAAOSwZrtapzHc

But definitely cheaper to get one with remote included.

[bucolic_frolic]

7. You mean my TV remote will be useless to change channels?

If that's so, then the converter box is not converting signal for my TV to use, it is bypassing the tuner in my TV and using its own digital tuner.

Thanks by the way, you're very patient.

[ramblin_dave]

8. Yes your TV remote will not be used

The external converter box can connect to your TV in one of two ways...

You set your TV to channel 3 or 4, then set your HDTV converter output channel to the same. Channel 3 is default. After that you never change your TV channel. You change channels using the HDTV tuner in the converter box.

Or if your TV has a video / audio input, you can connect the converter to that. The TV is set to work with the video / audio input. In this case it doesn't matter what the TV channel selection is. Again you change channels using the HDTV tuner in the converter box.

[krispos42]

9. That's correct

The converter box is taking the HDTV signal (on whatever channel you have it set to) and converting it to SDTV on either channel 3, channel 4, or through the yellow/white/red AV plugs.

Your Toshiba will be a monitor for the converter box in the same way your computer is a monitor for your PC/Mac, if that helps you any.

This is the same way your VCR worked, by the way... it took whatever was on the tape and turned it into a SDTV signal on channel 3 or 4, or through the AV plugs.

Also the DVD player, and the older cable boxes... they all output to the TV on either channel 3 or 4, or through the AV plugs.

You had to set your TV to receive what the gizmo was putting out. If the gizmo it outputting on channel 3, turn your TV to channel 3. If it's channel 4, set your TV to channel 4. If it's an AV signal (yellow/white/red) then you need to turn your TV to the right input (e.g., INPUT 1) to see the signal.

In the case of the AV plugs, the places on the back are usually numbered so you know which input to use. If you plug the converter box into INPUT 3, then that's how you watch it.

[bucolic_frolic]

10. Thanks to you both for all the info

I'm sifting through a few models, right now have to finish the tax returns.......

Cheers!