Do I need a Digital converter box or just an antenna?

Question

My dad has a 32" Emerson tv I believe. It was bought a few years ago (2010 ish). It isnt the fancy ones like now. It was when he got it, but now it is on the low end of flatscreen tvs due to so many new features. With that said I have no idea if it is HD or not.

How can I find out if his tv needs a digital converter box or just an antenna to pick up a few channels? He can no longer afford cable and I thought this would be a good option for him.


Recommendations or any videos online you know of on setup would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Try an antenna... If you are not too far from a transmitting tower, you may get a few channels. If you do not have a digital TV, use a converter box, which turns the digital channels to analog..

Answer 2

If it was bought new in the U.S. after 2007, it doesn't use a converter. Connect the antenna directly to the TV.

Answer 3

I think they stopped using antennas for basic cable a few years ago now you have to use a digital converter box for even just that, which I think is crap but that's the way they made it

Answer 4

Flat screens are almost always digital ready - no box needed.

Answer 5

Antenna only.