Purpose of the GE Smart Digital Converter Box:
With the end of analog broadcast television now in effect, those consumers that still own an analog television and receive their programming over-the-air, via an antenna, need a converter box to continue to view their favorite television shows. For a look at one of these converters, check out the rest of this product profile of the GE Smart Digital Converter Box.Converter Box - Antenna and Television Interface:
The GE Smart Digital Converter Box operates much like a cable TV box, except that you connect an antenna (either indoor or outdoor) to the RF input of the GE box. However, when used in conjunction with the GE Smart Digital Antenna, the box will automatically search for the strongest digital TV signals, based on the channel selected.Input :
The input on the GE Smart Converter is a standard RF antenna input, which is compatible with any indoor or outdoor anteanna, as well as the GE Smart Digital Antenna.Output Options:
There are two types of outputs. The first output is a standard RF output that can be used to connect to analog televisions that only have a standard RF cable or antenna input connection.The second output option is a set of standard RCA video/audio outputs that can be connected to analog television with analog RCA video and audio inputs.
Advanced Feature - Aspect Ratio Control:
One of the major changes that will come with all-digital television broadcasting is that more programming will be broadcast in the 16x9 widescreen format. In order to display these images properly on many analog televisions, the image must be shown in Letterbox format. The GE box will allow the consumer to adjust the way the image appears on their TV: Full Screen, Letterbox, 4x3.Advanced Feature - Television Program Guide:
Another advanced feature included is an onboard onscreen television guide that eliminates the need for a subscription to a printed TV Guide or similar publication.Advanced Feature - Closed Captioning :
For those that are hard-of-hearing, or are learning English, the GE Smart Digital Converter box provides access to all close-caption television broadcasts.Advanced Feature - Remote Control: To make operation easier, a full-function wireless remote control is included with the GE Smart Digital Converter Box.
Advanced Feature - Dolby Digital Support:
Another major change coming as a result of the digital television transition is that more programs will be broadcast with Dolby Digital Surround Audio. In order to hear this audio on analog TV, the GE Digital Converter will also convert this audio signal so that can be output via both both analog RF and RCA stereo audio outputs.Qualification For Federal Coupon Program:
The anticipated list price of the GE Smart Digital Converter is $59.99. To help defray this cost, the federal government is offering up to two coupons per household, valued at $40 each from an authorized retailer. It must be noted that you will need a converter box for each television in your household that receives television programming via an antenna. If you have a VCR connected to your TV, connect the box to the VCR and then the VCR to the TV.Final Take:
The transition from analog-to-digital television broadcasting took effect on June 12, 2009. For consumers that receive television programming via a cable or satellite box, not much has changed and will be addressed by cable and satellite programming providers in relation to their subscriber base.However, if your sole Television viewing assess is via antenna and you plan to still own an analog television then you need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box to connect between your TV antenna and television in order to continue to view television programs.
To assist in this process, the federal government is providing subsidies, via coupons, to consumers to defray the cost of needed converter boxes.
The GE Smart Digital Converter Box is one announced product that will be available that will qualify for the coupon program. However, the most important thing for the consumer, is that there is an affordable way to continue receiving television programming on a standard analog television after the analog TV broadcasting shutoff.
Watch this site for more information on converter boxes that will be available not only from GE, but other manufacturers, as they become available.
My Suggestion: With prices of Digital and HDTVs continuing on a downward spiral, I would replace the main family television with a new Digital or HDTV model that would have the proper tuner to receive digital and HD television broadcasts, and reserve the converter boxes for secondary bedroom or office locations.
