if you're getting 6-8 stations with rabbit ears on the boat now, that setup should be ok for the future with just one addition, the digital converter box. They are running about 60 to 80 bucks and, as Doug noted, you can get a coupon from the govt worth $40. Actually, 2 coupons.

I just helped a friend install one last wk. Easy job. Tip: buy a converter that has an analog pass thru. Some markets have low power stations that will remain analog past the Feb 09 deadline. With the pass thru you will be able to receive these stations until they, too, must go digital.

As I noted, in our market, some stations already have a digital signal. Much better picture, especially the ones that broadcast that digital channel in widescreen (16:9). Once you see the picture, you'll want to go out and buy a new set. Of course, if you do buy a set with a digital tuner, you will not need the converter box.

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Joel Albert, Potomac MD
"Charlie B" - 32' FBS
docked Deale, MD

I bought a 20'' flatscreen HD TV last sunner I thinkg for the boat.
It's a motorrola I believe. Anyway I bought it for the boat cause so many times were out anchored for the weekend and I wanna watch NASCAR or something , The damm signal would go in and out depending which way the boat moves
So I got the flat screen, Channels , wow, I get 3 times the channels.
and clear as all on the picture.
I am hook into my ships antenna for now. works great out or in the slip.

So am I understand that I will to buy the box next year to be able to receive a TV signal?????

If your new TV is already HD, then you do not need the converter box. You should know, by whether or not the channels "lock in", with no static, etc..

I have a rotating TV antenna on mine--I tell everyone it's my "radar" unit--yet with it and the digital TV box I could not raise a signal. This is near Elk ton, MD, and the analog signals aren't that great there either.

After going on-line to investigate, I found that this is not uncommon: Most testers of the new digital system either lost all or most of their analog channels. The antenna must aim right at the station for any signal, apparently, and that's a big issue in a boat on the hook (as stated above).

We'll all see after Feb 09, but if this digital deal is a real mess, they'll be hell to pay since a surprising number of people still get their TV through the air.

Jeff

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I'm STILL waiting for my bailout!

.."Elkton is down low, kinda bad for getting signals from Baltimore, Philly, Salisbury."

You ain't whistlin' Dixie! Gonna be watching a lot of prerecorded tapes next summer (as I already do).

Jeff

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I'm STILL waiting for my bailout!

If you buy a new flatscreen TV for your boat, it will, these days, be a HDTV unit, probably with analog capability. Look for ATSC tuner.

If you get one with 1080p capability and a VGA input, then you can likely use it as a monitor for your laptop. There are a lot of 1024 X 768 pixel sets on sale now with HD tuners but I find that this is not enough resolution for use as a computer monitor.

The "1080p" units also look great with Blu-Ray. The 1024 X 768 sets don't show much improvement over a regular DVD. Contrast is very important for watching movies, since film has such a wide range. A cheap set will not show black and dark areas properly. "Dynamic Contrast" just turns the backlight down to show darker scenes better. "Native Contrast" is the difference between light and dark on the screen in a single frame: 3000:1 is pretty good for movies.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11313991&whse=BC&Ne=5000002+4000000&eCat=BC|79|2341|3316&N=4001382%204294908733&Mo=13&pos=1&No=10&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10605-Cat2341&topnav=#reviews looks like a good deal, although the contrast is a little low.

The fluorescent backlighting in most LCD sets is sensitive to moisture. When they are available cheap, the LED backlit sets will be better for a boat.

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"I remember when welfare was for poor people..."

I don't think I need High Def TV, I can't see all the detail on my TV now. Especialy after looking at "SorryDog's Mermaids!

Roger

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The trouble with getting old, There is a lot of info in memory, I either can't find it or don't trust it if I do!

Good tip Joel. Thanks.

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