Learn About DTV
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Now that the DTV Transition is completed and all stations have changed to their final DTV channels, be sure to scan for channel changes as convenient.
Please note that the June 12, 2009 DTV transition deadline did not apply to low-power television (LPTV) stations. The FCC will determine a deadline for these stations to transition to digital at a future date. Learn more about LPTV.
Converter Box
- What Should I Do if I Have a Twin Lead Antenna Wire?
- Do I Need One Converter Box or Multiple?
- Which Retailers Sell Converter Boxes?
- Is All Antenna Wiring Compatible with Converter Boxes?
- What Features Are Available on Converter Boxes?
- What Is Analog Pass-Through on a Converter Box?
- How Do I Control Multiple Devices with the Remote Control?
- What Is Channel Scan?
- How Do I File a Complaint with the FCC?
- How Do I Connect My Digital Converter Box?
What Should I Do if I Have a Twin Lead Antenna Wire?
Twin Lead antenna wire is an older wire that requires an adapter to connect to a converter box. Please contact your converter box supplier for more information.
For more information on antennas, see the Antenna Guide.
Do I Need One Converter Box or Multiple?
You will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner. The digital-to-analog converter box basically replaces the analog tuner in one piece of equipment.
If you want to watch one program and record another simultaneously, you will need two digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Which Retailers Sell Converter Boxes?
Converter boxes are available from both national and local retailers, including most of the large stores that sell electronics.
Is All Antenna Wiring Compatible with Converter Boxes?
All converter boxes should be compatible with indoor and rooftop antennas; however, additional equipment and wiring may be needed.
For more information on antennas, see the Antenna Guide.
What Features Are Available on Converter Boxes?
The list of features that are recommended by the Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee includes: Closed Captioning, Secondary Audio Programming, Remote Control, and Additional/Advanced.
What Is Analog Pass-Through on a Converter Box?
A converter box with analog pass-through allows you to receive any stations that still broadcast in analog, including programming from U.S. Low-Power TV (LPTV), Class A, and translator stations. The analog broadcast signals pass through the converter box to be tuned by your analog TV.
How Do I Control Multiple Devices with the Remote Control?
If the Converter Box includes a universal remote control or you already have a universal remote control, follow the instructions that come with the Converter Box to program the remote to work for both the TV and the Converter Box.
Channel scan is a menu feature available from either a converter box or television remote control that will search for and “remember” digital broadcast channels that are available in your area.
How Do I File a Complaint with the FCC?
For all DTV related inquiries, please visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322). If you have a complaint that is not related to DTV, use the FCC on-line complaint form found at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
How Do I Connect My Digital Converter Box?
Specific connection information for a converter box depends on the type of device and its configuration. The converter box manufacturer should provide detailed connection instructions for the box that you have.
Simple, step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Unplug your TV set from the wall.
Step 2: Remove your antenna wire from the set and plug it into the "Antenna In" port on the box.
Step 3: Plug the coaxial wire into the "Out to TV" port on your converter box.
Step 4: Plug the remaining end of the coaxial cable into "Antenna In" on the set.
Step 5: Plug in your set and turn on the converter box.
Step 6: Tune your set to channel 3 or 4, and follow the on-screen set-up guide.
To browse for a converter box manual by manufacturer name or model number, try our Converter Box page.