Q: Will the digital-to-analog converter boxes needed for the digital switch in 2009 work with a VCR?— Marvin Williams
A: At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, television signals — not cable stations or satellite feeds — will change from the current analog to digital.
Though the value in the switch — mandated by Congress in 2005 — is in the quality of the picture, unprepared viewers will find nothing on their sets that morning.
Affected by the change will be 34 million households that get their free television signal via an external antenna. Cable and satellite subscribers, no matter their TV type, will be fine.
Consumers who rely on antennas will have three choices: buy a new digital-ready television, subscribe to a broadcast provider such as cable or satellite, or buy a converter box.
Digital TVs with an antenna need not change and should work fine.
The government is giving out $40 coupons, good toward the purchase of a basic converter from approved outlets. There’s a limit of two per address. Call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit to get yours.
The box can be used with your VCR if the antenna is connected to the converter, then to the VCR and then to your analog television. Remember, the converter box must be set to the desired channel.
How to tell if your television is digital? Check the owner’s manual or the set to see if it has a “built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner.” Or check the manufacturer’s Web page. TVs of at least 27 inches and sold in the past few years should be OK.
David Migoya wants to get the answers to your consumer questions. E-mail consumertips@ denverpost.com or write to Consumer Shopping Bag, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave. Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202.
