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yvonnezuther · 02-19-2009, 07:28 AM

Help! We own a 2006 Safari 23 ft. w/ a Sony flat-screen TV with a stereo/DVD system attached, which is located in the head locker above the seating bench. Now that some channels have converted, I unsuccessfully tried to install a converter box. Is there a magical cure or should we invest a new TV? YZ

willyd · 02-19-2009, 07:36 AM

I installed a converter box and have no issues in picking up stations as long as my antenna is pointing in the right direction. I did purchase an inexpensive flat screen tv ($299) - Best Buy brand. You could have a problem with the converter itself. Is there a help telephone number with the converter? Best of success.

pmclemore · 02-19-2009, 09:48 AM

When you attach the box, don't forget to have the tv scan for new channels.

Good luck. Pat

Jim Foster · 02-19-2009, 11:17 AM

If I am correct, the TV should be tuned to the output channel of the converter box, just like using a cable box or VCR. The converter box must scan for channels.

Right?

Lumatic · 02-19-2009, 12:02 PM

How old is the Sony? Are you sure it is not already digital ready?

Cracker · 02-19-2009, 03:57 PM

I plan to hook up a converter box also - but right now the AS is burried under the snow so I'll have to wait until the Spring thaw to experiment. My question is whether or not the antenna signal booster will work properly with the converter box? Second question - how do I feed the TV in the rear bedroom without having a separate box? These questions, of course, pertain to the older ASs.

thecatsandi · 02-19-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

How old is the Sony? Are you sure it is not already digital ready?

Some are some are not. My 06 Classic came with a Sony WEGA HD Display but no HD (ATSC) tuner. I was a little miffed.

HowieE · 02-19-2009, 05:58 PM

The converter installation is a straight forward install.

Run the cable from your trailer antenna amplifier to the converter input terminal and a cable from the converter output terminal to the TV. Tune the TV to channel 3 and with the converter control use the menu to auto tune the converter for channels. If you are close to the station antenna orientation will not be that critical. However once you have some channels you may want to go back and with the converter control check the signal strength and align the trailer antenna for the strongest signal and then research for additional stations.

This will give you access to the new digital stations. However if you are carrying a Sat Dish or want access to campground cable you will have to do some additional wiring. My trailer is wired for analog, no longer available as of today, digital, campground cable, and Directv.

While the analog signals were still available it was common to get interference from the lower channels under some conditions, but this problem should disappear as the go off air.

Jim Foster · 02-19-2009, 06:45 PM

The mandatory end of analog signals has been delayed until June 2009. Some stations have stopped broadcasting analog signals, but most still do.

Tom Nugler · 02-19-2009, 09:20 PM

The installation of a converter box is pretty straightforward. The connections are the same no matter if the TV has a DTV tuner or not as the output from the box is still an analog signal.
An engineer from the Milwaukee PBS station was interviewed on the radio yesterday and claimed many problems are due to the integrity of the antenna. In addition most stations are broadcasting on new frequencies.
A VHF station that came in good might not come in at all now due to a combination of a frequency shift, the way the antenna on the new transmitter is tweaked, change in output power, terrain and other obstructions like a tall building.
He said it would be a good idea to scan for new channels every few days while the stations sort thing out.
My conversion went quite well and generally have been pleased with the results. Here's the thread.http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...box-43618.html Some members commented on the TVs in the newer rigs.
Recheck the connections. It seems to me if there is no signal it should be a simple fix.

Good luck,
Tom.

pmclemore · 02-23-2009, 10:50 AM

I suggested scanning the tV because it will have the old channels "preset", and channel 3 or 4 may not be included in the presets. So in the best case, the tv will now be preset to whichever one the box sends on.

Are you also sure you turned on the TV antenna amplifier?

Pat

Lily&Me · 02-24-2009, 06:22 AM

We have a related question, and would appreciate any assistance in resolving. Rather than find a place to put a converter box in our 22' Interstate, we replaced the small flat-screen TV with a slightly larger Magnavox. Reception on HD channels is outstanding, but we get the "freeze" interference at times, sometimes excessive to the point that we can't understand what we are watching, which is really annoying. Is this fixable? We are enjoying the forums and the wealth of information out there.

AIR-Quarius · 02-24-2009, 06:29 AM

....we have cable, and made a short move a few days ago and transferred internet along with the cable...when he hooked it up outside...he came inside and toggled a switch on the back of our modem and reset it...is there a reset switch or button ...anywhere? Is there a reset button for this planet?!

HowieE · 02-24-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug&maggie

Reception on HD channels is outstanding, but we get the "freeze" interference at times, sometimes excessive to the point that we can't understand what we are watching, which is really annoying.

On my last trip to Fl. I have had the "freeze" problem on channels that had a weak signal to my location. If the majority of the channels I was tuned to were coming from say Tampa and I tried to pick up a channel from Sarasota that signal might drift in and out of freezing.

Most converter boxes have a built in signal strength meter. Not sure if "digital tuner TVs" have a meter but if yours does check the signal strength the next time this happens and try moving the antenna to pick up a stronger signal.

doorgunner · 02-24-2009, 09:23 AM

A BIMBO could set up a convertor box. just read the instructions.

I made the conversion 2 months ago- best thing that ever happened to television.
call me a bimbo.

More stations for starters, excellent picture.
Some stations I now receive that I did not before, probably because these stations have placed their new tx antenna in newer places. It's all good
Then again some stations will loose their range until they raise the height of their tx antenna.
Anyway while camping I seldom watch tele, more into my flight sim and music. and peace and quiet.

My box does have a signal strength meter, works great, kinda like dialing in a dish.
And you can use rabbit ears with great success eliminating that aerodynamic ugly roof top antenna thing.Just get a picture frame antenna. to each his own.

ac4xe · 02-24-2009, 09:33 AM

The procedure is described on the following link: Troubleshooting Guide for Digital-to-Analog Converter Boxes and Digital Televisions

Good luck Jon AC4XE

iverson · 02-24-2009, 04:32 PM

Why would you use a converter box if you have a newer TV with a digital tuner? Seems redundant.

Thanks,
Terry

PS: Gunrunner, is a Bimbo a Bambi owner?

HowieE · 02-24-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac4xe

The procedure is described on the following link: Troubleshooting Guide for Digital-to-Analog Converter Boxes and Digital Televisions

Good luck Jon AC4XE

This is the Home Page for this topic. It speaks to the expected number of stations you can expect to receive in a given location and also answers many other questions

DTV Reception Maps

doorgunner · 02-24-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iverson

Why would you use a converter box if you have a newer TV with a digital tuner? Seems redundant.

Thanks,
Terry

PS: Gunrunner, is a Bimbo a Bambi owner?

Terry;
I was calling myself a bimbo , NO one else. If a guy like me can hook up a convertor box--anyone can. A self inflicted insult- but you already knew that.

Now about the bimbo bambi thing. I am a fan of longer trailers. There are many reasons for me to not own a small trailer. one is pictured below.

**jcanavera** · 02-24-2009, 05:33 PM

We picked up a Digital HD TV a little over a year ago when camped in Destin Fl. There were local stations in Panama City broadcasting digitally at that time. Interestingly enough the digital signals were poor in the day time. Lots of picture freezes or not enough signal. Fast forward to night and the signal quality improved enough for the UHF digital signal to reach us.

As noted in other posts, you have to get a clear shot at the transmitter. If not, it's a no go. The move to digital will not be pain free. The antennas we use today may not be able to provide digital service in areas that can get by on analog service today.

The only "fix" will be better technology which means antenna improvements on our Airstreams.

Jack