Bat Wing TV - no reception

There are TWO digital standards and a few non-standard schemes in use.

ONE is ATSC, this is digital over the air broadcast and was NOT an option on the menu page you posted

One is, I think QAM.. This is a common cable TV scheme used across the nation for DIGITAL cable TV, it can be High Def or Standard depending on the program source.. This is why you get High Def Wide screen at home.

The few non-standard ones are used by cable companies that require you use a Set Top Box. I will now tell you all I know about them,, Now that we have that completed.

If your set has HDMI and a wide screen the 50 dollar Set Top converter is the way to go. Now days all mine do.. My converters do not (Far as I know) but my TV's do.. need to check one of the converters as HDMI would solve a minor issue when setting up.

Super_Dave wrote:
Tom, you pretty much hit the nail on the head as to why I was so stumped. Flat screen and in home picture is hi-def. I couldn't imagine how this TV was analog only.

Not quite true. The 720p HD screen would only work if cabled to a computer to see pictures taken in HD format, or getting a converter-box suggested by Tom. You would need a HDMI cable between box output and television input to produce a true 720p HD wide-screen picture.

Your television if attached to cable-box ( still sending analog signals, or picking up an existing low-power "over-the=air" analog channel signal will take the 480i SD picture and convert it to fit a 720p wide-screen that your TV has. The picture will look better to you than an older analog TV, but it is not a true HD wide-screen picture.

Tom, you pretty much hit the nail on the head as to why I was so stumped. Flat screen and in home picture is hi-def. I couldn't imagine how this TV was analog only.

I checked the specs for the Samsung LN-S2338W that the OP has and it is a digital TV but the tuner is analog only. It has all the necessary inputs for high def, HDMI, Component, and PC. The converter boxes I referenced have high def ouputs (HDMI and component video). I own one of each model and they do an adequate job. The tuner in the boxes is not quite as good as the one in my TV.

The best approach is to buy a new TV. The least expensive approach is to add a converter box.

Tom_M wrote:
Keep in mind that a standard converter box down converts the digital signal to standard definition analog.

Amazon is selling the iView converter box for $32.55. This box puts out a high definition signal using HDMI or component video.

iView 3500STBII

Makes no difference. You would never use a converter on a digital TV and an analog TV doesn't have an HDMI connection.
Using anything HD on an analog TV would be nothing more than marketing nonsense.

Advantage of the digital converter:
Cost: Usually 50 retail sometimes less on line/v/s over 100 for the TV.

Fit: The new TV is a different shape.. I got lucky at a pawn shop and for 102 got a TV that was the exact same WIDTH as the old CRT.. but it is not as tall so I had to re-build the cabinet, this will (when finished) cost additional funds.

Other than that the new TV is the way to go.. But for some it is easier to use the Set Top Box.

My Rube Goldburg set up here consists of Two analog (NTSC) DVRs with digital converters in front of them,, the DVR's can change channel on the Set Top Converters,, 3 Modern ATSC TVs The Main, described above, and 2 in the bedroom.. Of those two one handles ATSC and computer monitor, the other NTSC and MPEG files (The first can not do MPEGs and I need to be able to run dual screen, the TV they replaced did Pic in computer screen the new ones do not).

I can record two shows at the same time, WATCH two (With a bit of work 3) shows at the same time though being solo I never try that. Play back a show recorded in the other room, stop or pause and change rooms. Download to computer or portable device and take it with me.. All the stuff they advertise, and none of the monthly fees. (Well 2.00/month for the program listing service I use)

Keep in mind that a standard converter box down converts the digital signal to standard definition analog.

Amazon is selling the iView converter box for $32.55. This box puts out a high definition signal using HDMI or component video.

iView 3500STBII

Bill.Satellite wrote:
You can add a digital to analog converter box and use your existing TV. The last time I looked Radio Shack still had these for about $50. Just connect the cable output from your switch box to the converter and the converter back into the switch box. You will then set your TV to channel 3 or 4 and you will see the converter menu on the TV. Do a scan using the converter box remote and when finished you will have TV and you will use the converter box remote to change channels. The TV(s) will always remain on channel 3 or 4.

Now for the emotional struggle to pay $50 for a box or use that as 1/3 of the new TV. :h

You can add a digital to analog converter box and use your existing TV. The last time I looked Radio Shack still had these for about $50. Just connect the cable output from your switch box to the converter and the converter back into the switch box. You will then set your TV to channel 3 or 4 and you will see the converter menu on the TV. Do a scan using the converter box remote and when finished you will have TV and you will use the converter box remote to change channels. The TV(s) will always remain on channel 3 or 4.

Another thing to check is all your connections and what shape they are in. I just went thru this and found the connection at the roof both above and below the roof to be completely corroded thru and open. It might have something to do with the cable also providing 12V power, but I saw a real issue with corrosion. Maybe my situation wasn't normal, but I would still recommend checking that and ruling that issue out.

Larry