Re: Confused on which DTV converter box models to get by 5/27/2008...

On 5/11/2008 6:18 PM PT, Jim Wilkins typed:

>> As a newbie, I don't know what RF input is. How can I find out if the
>> TVs have this input? Is that same as coax input for antennae and cable
TV?
>>
> Yes, RF is a threaded coax F connector. RF = Radio Frequency, meaning
> a TV or cable channel.

OK. So channel 3 for VCR then and TV or VCR using antennae like rabbit 
ear and bowtie types.


> I bought the Zenith and set it up like this:
> 
> Separate UHF and VHF antennas with separate RG-6 QS downleads into the
> house.
> UHF downlead connected to "From Antenna" input on Zenith.
> "To TV (RF)" output connected to "A" on an A/B switch, RS 15-1217.
> VHF antenna downlead connected to "B" on A/B switch.
> Output of A/B switch connected to RF IN on VCR.
> RF OUT of VCR connected to RF IN on TV, set to Channel 3.

Wouldn't this configuration (nothing technical) for my TV setup #1 work?

Shared antenna -> converter box -> VCR (same input I use for the current 
bowtie antenna) -> VCR.

Then VCR goes to the old CRT TV and PC. Basically, I am only 
changing/rerouting:
1. Disconnect bowtie antenna from VCR and connect to the converter box.
2. Connect converter box to VCR and power strip (will turn this off when 
not in used -- same for TV; VCR is on another strip that never goes off).

Use converter box to change channels for digital stations including 
record (have to use line channel 3 on TV for VCR so VCR can record [will 
have to set the channel manually since converter box does not have a 
scheduler/timer) from converter box feed).

Am I missing anything or configured anything incorrectly? Shouldn't that 
be OK?


> The A/B switch A button selects converted HDTV from the Zenith, the B
> button selects good old VHF (2-13) from a station that isn't up yet on
> its HDTV channel, or other VHF stations 100+ miles away. All UHF
> stations here broadcast HD so I don't need UHF pass-thru.
> The VCR is normally off for HDTV and the Zenith tunes the channel.
> When I select VHF I turn the VCR on and use its tuner, so the TV stays
> on channel 3. The VCR can record either VHF or converted HDTV.

Ah, for me. I am using an old TV that is only 4:3. :( so, I don't need 
to worry about switching. I only use the VCR to record and play back my 
recordings.


> The advantage is no splitter or combiner loss or frequently replugging
> connectors to bypass the Zenith, the disadvantage that the A/B switch
> is manual, but then so is my antenna rotator.
> 
> The UHF and VHF leads were originally separated to hook up a PC HDTV
> tuner without losing the VCR.
> 
> I tried both RF and composite from the Zenith to the TV and didn't see
> or hear a difference.
> RF works well through the VCR, and the DVD player uses the composite
> TV inputs anyway.

Cool. Since I am not using old TVs and their internal speakers, then 
this wouldn't be a problem. If it is OK, then the hard part is figuring 
what converter box brand(s) and model(s) to get for my setups. :(
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