How to install that digital converter box
November 18th, 2008, 11:30 am · 3 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
UPDATE, 1/24: Added the how-to video from the OC Register below…
I’ve heard from many readers complaining that their government-issued TV converter box coupon expired (C’mon people! Coupons expire). But, surprisingly, I’ve had few questions on how to install the actual converter box.
Still, I’d like to highlight the Zenith’s new Web site at www.zenith.com/dtv. The site offers all sorts of how-to videos for its digital converter boxes. A bit surprising is that Zenith didn’t offer this service before since the company has sold 2 million converter boxes this year — at a coupon-redemption rate of 50,000 per day. Zenith also offers a toll-free help line: 1-877-9ZENITH.
But Zenith isn’t alone. Other converter box makers have their own set of handy instructions and dedicated sites to help consumers:
RCA: Created a special page for consumers to type in RCA TV model number to see if it needs a converter box, at tv.rca.com/en-us/AreYouReady.html
Apex Digital: A detailed site at apexdtv.com on the whole digital TV transition, plus the video on how to install the company’s converter box.
Dish Network: Sells the DTV Pal converter box and its cheaper TR-40 CRA box for $40 (or free with coupon). Offers more info on the DTV transition and set-up videos of both devices.
GE: Special site at www.jascoproducts.com/hdtv has videos of the digital TV conversion but oddly, doesn’t show how to install its own funky converter box. Does offer a brief paragraph on how-to install, adding that it’s “easy 1-2-3.”
UPDATE, 1/24/09: Register videographer stopped by the Costa Mesa Best Buy to get a demo of how to set up a converter box. Check it out:
Related stories:
- Guide to the 2009 Digital TV transition
- Coupon expired? Apex Digital offers $10 for expired coupons
- 99 days until the digital TV transition changes TV
- 50% more coupons available for digital TV converter box program
- Digital TV coupons now available to more users
- Digital TV discounts still available; Amazon starts selling converter boxes
- 23 reviews of digital converter boxes
- Most digital-TV coupons expire before being used
- Portable TVs will fade away after February
- Reminder: Digital converters bought with coupons aren’t taxable
Reader Comments
Comments are encouraged, but you must follow our User Agreement.- Keep it civil and stay on topic.
- No profanity, vulgarity, racial slurs or personal attacks.
- People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
- By posting your comment, you agree to allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to republish your name and comment in additional Register publications without any notification or payment.
3 Comments
-
ADVERTISEMENT
-
Things to do
-
To view local listings CLICK
HERE
Or visit your TV provider: * Cox Cable * Time Warner Cable * DirecTV * Dish Network * AT&T U-verse * Verizon FiOS *
Watch a show online HERE. Get TV/mobile help on Twitter
-
-
The North Orange County Computer Club answers your tech questions. Visit the PC Club page and the Stump archives.Recent Q&As:
>>Click HERE for more PC Club answers 
More O.C. Tech News- SRCH2 Bolsters Enterprise Search With Broad Language Support May 22, 2013
- San Diego, Irvine Tops For Engineering Job Demand, Says Report May 21, 2013
- AnyMeeting Gives Gentle Nudge Towards Pro Plans May 21, 2013
- Kaleio Launches Professional Workforce Networking Service May 20, 2013
- ChicksStarter Pulls Together Funding For A Lucky Female Startup May 20, 2013
- YouMail Spins New Updates To Android App May 20, 2013
- Alteryx Gets $12M For Big Data Analysis Tools May 20, 2013
- QLogic In CEO Shuffle May 20, 2013
- Privlo Raises $2.1M For Private Mortgage Marketplace May 17, 2013
- Mindspeed Adds Board Member May 17, 2013
-
ADVERTISEMENT
Here's a list of TV/mobile companies helping consumers one tweet at a time. 
One of the big problems was that the coupons expired long before many of the digital converter boxes came to retail.
Also wanted to mention that those people that cable TV don’t have to worry about the digital transition as long as their TVs are connected to cable there will be no difference and nothing additional to do once the change happens.
dis iz very hard 2 put da converter box 2 get 2 work
i also got a coupon when they were first available. what a joke! i went to every store within 20 miles, and not one had a converter box available. but they were all REAL INTERESTED in selling me a new $900 (or more) tv, so i would be prepared for the switchover. LOL. the coupons expired months before anyone around here had the boxes. now, every time the boxes are on sale, the stores might have two or three available. so i guess i will be buying boxes for myself and friends online. thanks for letting me blow off steam.