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

post #1 of 7
5/1/08 at 11:03am
Thread Starter 
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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post #2 of 7
5/1/08 at 12:38pm

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

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
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post #3 of 7
5/1/08 at 1:37pm

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

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.
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post #4 of 7
5/1/08 at 2:10pm

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

This may help...

How to survive the switch to digital TV - CNN.com
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post #5 of 7
5/1/08 at 2:52pm
Thread Starter 

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

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.
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post #6 of 7
5/2/08 at 5:40am

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

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?
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post #7 of 7
5/2/08 at 5:58am

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

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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