Can converter boxes for digital TV do 16:9 aspect ratio?

Nelson Au · 05-01-2008, 01:03 PM

I'm curious if anyone knows about the new converter boxes and if the video output into the TV is 4:3 or 16:9? I have not seen any mention of it.

I have a 3 year old Sony 23" LCD TV that is HD ready. It's a 16:9 aspect ratio screen. I checked the specs, it can accept 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i signals. It currently only has an analog receiver in it.

So the question is, do I look for an external digital tuner (which will output a 16:9 image) or get one of these converter boxes with the coupon. The converter boxes seem like a better deal, but I just want to know if it can output a 16:9 signal the TV can fully make use of.

Thanks!

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Robert_J · 05-01-2008, 02:38 PM

I'm not sure the converter box will output 16x9 but they are limited to a 480i singnal. A HD tuner will make full use of your HD ready TV by outputing full HD in 16x9 and 720p/1080i (depending on source).

-Robert

sptrout · 05-01-2008, 03:37 PM

I have two Insignia Converter Boxes that are connected to two old 4x3 TVs. The converters can be programmed to pass the video with either 4x3 or 16x9. However, as Robert_J mentioned, it is only 480i so you will not being using the HD capability of your TV.

Gary Seven · 05-01-2008, 04:10 PM

This may help...

How to survive the switch to digital TV - CNN.com

Nelson Au · 05-01-2008, 04:52 PM

Thanks guys! That's all great info. I should have known that these converter boxes are 480i.

I guess that answers it, I'll look for a proper digital receiver. I was hoping the coupon could have help reduce the price.

Philip Hamm · 05-02-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelson Au

So the question is, do I look for an external digital tuner (which will output a 16:9 image) or get one of these converter boxes with the coupon. The converter boxes seem like a better deal, but I just want to know if it can output a 16:9 signal the TV can fully make use of.

The converter boxes are external digital tuners. Isn't the coupon good for any external digital tuner?

sptrout · 05-02-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Hamm

The converter boxes are external digital tuners. Isn't the coupon good for any external digital tuner?

No, the coupons are only good for a specific list of approved converters. This is a link to the current list:
https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm



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