Do i need a didgital converter for my SDTV model #27F634T or does it have the digital tuner already and I can use an antennae to receive analog or digital signals?

It is no different that channel scanning for cable or analog over-the-air channels. You simply ensure that you have selected the digital tuner of the set prior to scanning. Some older flat panel sets do not have integrated digital tuners. A digital antenna alone will not allow these sets to receive digital broadcast channels. A converter box is needed to convert the digital broadcast signals to analog for the tuner in the set. Also, sets that do not have digital tuners may not support the resolution rate of digital TV broadcasts. Most digital HD broadcasts are 720p and a few are 1080p.

HDTV indicates the number of lines that are shown by the TV. (HD means that at least 720 lines can be displayed in a given picture.) To receive OTA signals, you need an ATSC tuner (digital) of sufficient power (with a clear path to the transmitter) these days. The RCA D52W20 was released in 2002 and only has an NTSC (analog tuner). You will need a digital-to-analog converter to receive OTA TV (unless any low power analog stations remain in your area).

Please note that the basic digital-to-analog converters that were available with the government coupon back in 2009 were SD (480i lines of pixels used) units. HD d-t-a converters exist but are more expensive.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(the phrase "digital antenna" is meaningless; check with tvfool.com or antennaweb.org for the direction of local transmitters. TVfool.com will give more information on the type of antenna (indoor, outdoor, amplifier) that you will need to receive channels in your area. Antennaweb assumes an external antenna but is very conservative in the stations that it will indicate that you can receive. Antennas are given a color rating based on how far away the transmitter can be to get a watchable signal. Since digital signals are either enough for the tuner to interpret or you get a "no signal" message, you often need a stronger signal than was needed to receive a watchable analog channel.)

Yes you need a digital converter box. Your model has an NTSC Analog Tuner. It doesn't have a Digital Tuner. This is why you need the converter box.


For example, many companies like Comcast or Time Warner or TCI etc used to broadcast Analog Signals through their wires. Now they have broadcasted only Digital Signals. This makes either your TV Obsolete as a Tuner or you have to get a digital converter so your Analog TV can receive the signal.

Depending on your service, it may be worth your while to get a TV with a digital Tuner.

Then again, it also depends on if you are connecting a box receiver to your TV. For example, if you have Directv or Dish, you would then use your standard Video/Audio or Composite Cables to transmit your signal OR your Out to TV Coaxial whichever works for your receiver. Some receivers have already built in converters . You should really consider all the factors to decide and determine it based on the type of service you have or want.

The Insignia NS-PDP42 Plasma HDTV has a built in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner.

In short, yes, it does have a digital converter built in, but you will need a antenna capable of receiving digital broadcasts. You can find these at Walmart for $15 to $60.

the are digital ready with a qam tuner. what this means that you can either connect a cable line directly to the back and receive channels or connect a digital antenna and receive channels as well.

Sorry to say, your HDTV-Ready - Requires separate receiver to view HDTV signals. SDTV (Standard Definition) - has built-in digital receivers/decoders and do not require the purchase of any separate components in order to display digital signals. It provides lower image quality than EDTV or HDTV, but higher image quality than analog TV. SDTV is displayed using an aspect ratio of 4:3. I hope this helps and good luck.
Please remember to vote if this was helpful in any way. Thanks.

if you are going to continue using the rooftop antenna, then you will nee to purchase a digital converter box. Those television sets are only analog. You do have an option to get Directv or Dish network and you will not need a converter box at all. Directv and Dish network are 100% Digital and the receivers work as converter boxes for that product only.

To answer your direct question, yes it has a digital tuner. To answer your real question, NO it WILL NOT receive the new ATSC (digital) broadcast stations. The tuner itself is a digital one but works only for analog signals. The changeover in February will change the broadcast signals to a new digital format that will require a converter for your set to continue to function. Please note that the converter is only required if you receive your signal from rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna. If connected to cable or satelite, no change will be seen and no converter is needed.

To simplify:

Over air reception = need converter
Cable or satelite = no converter

Dan

Hi Dru,
Good news, your 42 inch Phillips has a built in digital tuner, all you need is an antenna.
Please post the model of your other Tv and I will check on the tuner type.
I have provided a link to a site that has good info on antenna types and the channels you will be able to recieve.
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

Let me know if this was the information you requested and please rate this solution.Lone99star

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jason_77a19afa8d604dee

The digital tuner has nothing to do with the new signal you will be receiving in February of next year. The new video signal is a digital signal. The old video signal is analog. Your television receives the analog signal and converts it to what you see on television. You need a converter box to convert the new digital signal back to an analog signal your television can convert.

Jerry