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Do I need a converter box for my flat tv?

Do I need to purchase an additional HDTV converter box for my TV?

  • In 2005, I bought a 61" Panasonic LCD HDTV. The instructions say that it's a digital TV, with ViVA HD3D sound. Some of the local TV stations here in rural South Carolina have already started broadcasting in HD. However, when I scan for these channels, I can't get them. I have DirecTV as well, but they require me to pay extra to receive my local channels in HD. ($10 a month!! Highway robbery!) My boyfriend (who is a big know-it-all) claims that we won't have to purchase the converter box in February of next year, because the TV is already equipped with an integrated HDTV tuner. Is he right? Because if that's the case, I should already be pulling in the HD channels, yes? Thanks, I hope someone knows the answer!

  • Answer:

    The chances are the the built in tuner is only good for Antenna reception or "Over the Air". I looked up 61" panasonic rear projection LCD and here is the link, if that is your model # then you will need a cable box to receive HD, but the tuner is built into the cable box and you can use the HDMI output from the cable box to the TV. I have a 65" inch mitsubishi HDTV only 1080i though and a little older but I receive the HDTV channels for free with an antenna. If the model # is different e-mail it to me and I will look up the specs for you.

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Shame on you for using Answers in the way that it was originally intended. I will overlook your little HDTV debacle this once. You're on probation missy.

K-MAC YOUR Village Idiot

I think you should block the guy who said, "Your boyfriend may be right." Just block him. That was uncalled for.

тhє тuвlєt of smαll тhɨɳgs™

Tell your boyfriend (who is a big know-it-all) that since he knows freaking everything, ask him what color underwear I am wearing today, and when he says "flowery pink daisy underwear with a little bunny rabbit on the front", tell him that I am actually not wearing any today, and that he should stick that in his pipe and smoke it.

Wonder the Chatty Cat *cries*

your (knowitall) is a moron. You should have HD already, BUT, u have to pay extra for it. as for the converters, they are only necessary for people who do not have digital cable, and it sounds like you don't cuz, you have that dumbassss dish network, actually scratch that, your TV should have a digital tuner if it's HD.

Dr. KIA GCG™ the greatest

IF your tv weights 800+ pounds and is from 1985, it needs a converter. Mr. Knowitall didnt set up your TV right. Call the Geek Squad and show him what real men can do!

MunkeyLuv Sez KissMyAss

i like tacos... hold me...

Awesome Kevin- 47 (AK-47)

you should be getting those channels already for you local tv channels if you aren't do the auto channel selection set up on your tv should bring them up for local service. as for the cable or satellite provider you have to pay for the HD service package to get those channels.

Agent 47™ Inc

You boyfriend may be right. Read the manual for this information. If you do have the HD tuner, you may need a different antenna to be able to pick up the HD over the air broadcasts. If you have good signal with the regular tv signal then you should be able to get the HD signals. The HD stations come in with number like 102.3, 105.5 and so on. To scan for these stations you need to be scanning for Digital channels. If your TV has the HD tuner then it will have this particular scanning option. A HDTV is a digital TV that shows HD quality. A digital TV may be able to pick up the HD signal but it won't show it in HD quality.

Funzzy

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