Once the transition to digital television occurs, unprepared consumers who rely on their VCRs likely will see problems.
And that’s just one of many issues they’re likely to face with the advent of the all-digital television age.
The most frequently asked question related to the digital switch seems to be consumer concern over how a VCR will take to the transition.
VCRs, for the most part, are not digital. Though digital models exist, most consumers own VCRs that work in analog format, just like their television sets.
That means the VCR will not readily read the digital television signal, and users won’t be able to tape their favorite shows.
To avoid this problem, VCR users will have to connect the unit to the converter box that’s attached to the antenna. The converter box should have a feature that allows analog signals to “pass through” unhindered.
Programming the VCR to tape a show at an appointed hour presents a different array of problems. First, the VCR cannot be set to record on any channel other than 3 or 4 because the signal will be coming from the converter box. You no longer will be able to change channels on the VCR.
Nearly all converter boxes on the market don’t allow pre-programming of a channel, instead requiring users to manually set it on a station and leave the unit turned on for VCR use. That wouldn’t be so bad if many of the boxes didn’t have an automatic power shutoff.
Dish Network eventually came up with one of the first units to offer a program feature that works similar to a VCR — the DTVPal. Others are following suit.
“It took us a while because we wanted to get it right,” spokeswoman Francie Bauer said of Dish Network’s late entry to the box market. “You’ll still have to program the VCR and the box, but that’s the worst of it.”
Converter boxes should be simple to operate and have useful functions, says Jesse Chettle, a Gunnison-based reviewer of the units.
“There are really a half dozen on the market that really stand out, but most people might not notice the difference in the picture,” Chettle said. “So it’s really a matter of the functions you want.”
Some offer expanded programming guides. The new digital signals contain information that lets viewers scroll through upcoming shows. Some boxes are limited to a 24-hour directory, while others have a week’s worth.
Prices range from $40 — small wonder considering the federal government’s coupon is the same amount — to more than $250 for one of Dish Network’s super-duper models that have a digital recorder that can handle 150 hours of programming.
And since the government’s coupon cannot be used on that particular unit, Dish Network has created a $50 rebate, Bauer said.
If you purchase a Smart antenna — the ones that change direction to the strongest signal — you’ll want to be sure the converter box has the specific input; otherwise it won’t work.
Several websites, including Consumer Reports, have reviews on the variety of boxes available and are worth a read before purchasing.
David Migoya: 303-954-1506 or dmigoya@denverpost.com
