Should You Get a DTV Converter Box or an HDTV? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Home Theater & Entertainment > TV & Displays 243 243 people found this article helpful

Should You Get a DTV Converter Box or an HDTV?

Only analog TVs require converter boxes

By Matthew Torres Matthew Torres Writer Texas State University-San Marcos Former Lifewire writer Matthew Torres is a journalist who writes about television technology, consumer support articles, and TV-related news. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 22, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays Samsung Projectors Antennas HDMI & Connections Remote Controls A DTV converter box is a tuner that converts a signal from digital to analog so that a digital television (DTV) transmission can be used with an analog TV set. HDTVs do not require converter boxes, so if your set is so old that it needs one, you might as well consider an upgrade. DTV converters are also called DTAs (digital television adapters). Matthias Tunger / Getty Images

Do I Need a DTV Converter Box for My TV

Because analog TV sets are no longer being manufactured, the only reason you would need a converter box is if you have a really old TV that only accepts analog signals. All analog TV transmissions ended in the US in 2009, so if you want to watch HD television on your old analog set, then you must get a DTV converter. If your TV has a built-in ATSC (digital) tuner, you can get your local broadcast stations in HD by using an antenna.

Do HDTVs Require DTV Converter Boxes

All HDTVs are built to handle digital transmissions. In fact, connecting a DTV converter box to your HDTV will decrease the picture quality. If you have an HDTV, you'll only need a converter box if you want to connect an analog VCR. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can You Still Use an Analog TV? The 4 Best Digital Converter Boxes of 2022 How to Record Cable TV With a VCR Digital TV vs. Analog TV How to Connect a DTV Converter Box to an Analog TV Where Is the Digital TV Tuner? What Is HDTV? How to Troubleshoot Your DTV Converter Box How to Connect an Xbox One to a TV The Best DVD Recorders of 2022 How to Set Up and Connect a Digital Antenna to Your TV Should You Buy a Blu-ray Player? How Many HDMI Inputs Do I Want on an HDTV? Super Bowl TV and Home Theater Setup Tips Making TV-Band Radios Work With Digital TVs Do I Need a Special Antenna to Receive HD Radio? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies