Comments on: Digital TV is all a big scam… for me at least

By: doahleigh – Holy Waste of Teabags! » Blog Archive » While you’re all watching SYTYCD, I’m stuck with a black screen

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:01:16 +0000

[...] still haven’t figured out our tv. We still get no channels. We bought a fancy antenna and everything, and we hooked it with and [...]

By: MonsteRawr

MonsteRawr — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:02:28 +0000

Two suggestions.
1) Steal cable. (It’s easier than you think.)
2) Hook your laptop up to your tv and watch Hulu. That’s what we’ve been doing for the last month and I don’t miss real tv at all. (Except Spongebob and the shamelessly terrible reality shows that I used to watch when Kyle wasn’t home because I was too embarrassed to admit that I like them. I miss those a little.)

By: willikat

willikat — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:27:44 +0000

Do not ask me. Technology and I don’t get along. I think I have some weird aura.

By: A.

A. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:58:27 +0000

I don’t know if you have a Radio Shack near you, but the guys at the Radio Shack near my parents’ house were very helpful to them when they couldn’t get their TVs and converter boxes to work (and their TVs are ancient). Short of coming to the house, they helped them figure it all out. Or, maybe a nice Best Buy employee would take pity?

Just know you’re not alone. Lots of people, without cable, have this trouble. And believe me, I would’ve killed someone long ago if I were in your situation. I cannot live without my TV.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:24:50 +0000

You might need a new antenna. I heard that was some issue people were having.

But I’d also have given up and watched a DVD. I don’t blame you for that one bit.

By: Justin Buist

Justin Buist — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:02:17 +0000

You’ll probably need a new antenna. Part of the change to digital TV was that stations signal strength dropped a whole lot, like down to 10% of original levels, so better antennas are required.

In other news, did I see you at the trap range today? I wasn’t sure if that was you because whoever it was had sunglasses on, but I could have sworn it was you.

By: Brad

Brad — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:24:15 +0000

What is the model of your TV? Do a search for “Dynex MODEL# no digital signal” and see what comes up. Unless you’ve already done that.

Just “dynex no digital signal” shows some people have had their TVs lose a digital signal just out of the blue.

Also do you know for sure that the antenna you’re connecting to is actually doing anything? You might want to buy another antenna at Best Buy and try that (and return it if nothing works.) From http://www.huliq.com/1/82170/fcc-explains-indoor-digital-tv-antenna :

To receive digital TV signals from all stations, it is important that your antenna be able to receive both VHF channels (channels 2-13) and UHF channels (channels 14-51). Some antennas only provide good reception of VHF or UHF channels, but not both. For example, indoor “rabbit ears” usually need to be augmented with an additional “wire loop” or “bowtie” antenna (see pictures below) in order to pick up signals on UHF channels.

Consumers should be aware that even if they use a digital-to-analog converter box, they will still need to use an antenna to receive DTV signals. Many of the antennas currently being sold as “HDTV Antennas,” perform best at receiving UHF signals; some of these models state that they provide reception of signals on channels 7-13 but actually perform less well receiving those channels.

I would try the search and/or another antenna and see if that works. I wish you both the best of luck in your TV adventures.

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:24:12 +0000

Um, join the 21st century and get a dish or fios or cable. Pay for tv like the rest of us.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:59:10 +0000

Maybe that converter box isn’t compatible with your tv model. Perhaps apply for a converter box coupon and research one that may work with your tv better.

http://www.dtv.gov/getcoupon.html

Otherwise, I say call the phone number instead of using the website.