Can you get cable channels with a converter box?

The new TV converter boxes are an ideal way to get a lot of channels for not a lot of money. You will not have as many channels as with cable, but the TV converter boxes allow broadcasting networks in your area to include sub-channels that may run the news, weather or additional programing.
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Can I use a converter box for cable?

A digital converter box, or a cable converter box, is an electronic tuning device. It converts a channel on a cable TV from a digital to an analog signal on a single channel. Put simply, this allows a TV to receive cable channels, at least this was the case for older TV models.
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Do I need a cable box if my TV has a digital tuner?

F.A.Q. How do I use my digital tuner with my TV? To use the digital tuner, you will need an antenna that can receive digital signals. Furthermore, you will need a coax cable to connect the antenna and your TV or the antenna and the external digital tuner or converter box.
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Is a converter box the same as a cable box?

A TV Box (also known as a digital cable box, digital converter box or digital receiver) processes digital-quality signals. With a TV Box, you can view our on-screen channel guide, which includes access to TV listings, program information, search tools, parental controls and more.
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Does a converter box give you more channels?

A digital converter box allows older analog TV sets to receive and display channels that aren't on analog signals, providing access to additional channels.
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What channels can I get with a converter box?

Every national network like NBC, Fox, CBS, ABC and even the CW broadcasts to local affiliates. These affiliates are responsible for producing your local news and other local programming. And each of these will most likely be received by your digital converter box.
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What does a converter box do for a TV?

A set-top box that converts over-the-air digital TV broadcasts to analog for TV sets that accept only analog input (NTSC, PAL). It transforms digital broadcasts in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) to analog.
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How many channels can you get with a digital converter box?

An adapter from the cable provider was needed even for digital TVs if the company scrambled its digital signals to prevent piracy. A digital transport adapter will allow viewing of basic channels, often as many as 99, but not premium channels.
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How do I get more channels on my digital converter box?

Step One: Disconnect your antenna from the converter box. Access your television's menu. Step Two: Following your television's on-screen instructions for looking for new channels, re-scan the converter box or digital television without the antenna connected.
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Why do I need a digital converter box?

Because analog TV sets are no longer being manufactured, the only reason you would need a converter box is if you have a really old TV that only accepts analog signals. All analog TV transmissions ended in the US in 2009, so if you want to watch HD television on your old analog set, then you must get a DTV converter.
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How can I get cable TV without a cable box?

Use a streaming device: smart TV, game console, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast or Apple TV. You won't need that cable box anymore, but you will need some kind of streaming device to watch services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
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How can I get cable on my smart TV without a box?

Connect a coaxial cable (not provided) to the ANT/CABLE IN jack on the back of your TV and to the antenna or cable TV wall jack. Plug your TV's power adapter into a power outlet, then turn on your TV. Press INPUT to open the INPUT SOURCE list. to highlight TV, then press ENTER.
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How do I get cable TV on a second television without a box?

How Do I Get Cable TV on a Second Television Without a Box?
  1. Loosen and remove the head of the cable wire from the wall cable outlet. ...
  2. Connect the free end of the coaxial cable coming from the TV to one of the free threaded coaxial cable connectors on the two-side part of the cable splitter; then tighten the head.
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Can I still get a free digital converter box?

Free Digital Converter Box Program

The program ended in July 2009, and according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, about 33,962,696 coupons were ultimately used. Unfortunately, it's no longer possible to get a free digital converter box through the government.
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How can I get local channels?

How to watch local TV channels over the internet
  1. Purchase an HD antenna.
  2. Subscribe to the TV channel's app.
  3. Live TV streaming app subscription.
  4. Live stream local news online on their website.
  5. Watch the clips on Youtube.
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Do you need a box for basic cable?

Since almost all content is now copy-protected and scrambled, to receive even basic cable signals from a service, you need an external box from a cable company.
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Why is my converter box not picking up channels?

If you are having problems, check for loose or corroded wiring or broken antenna elements. Also check the direction the antenna is pointed. Try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and digital-to-analog converter box or digital television as short as possible for best reception.
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Why is my TV not picking up channels?

One of the most common reasons why TVs are not able to find channels is because there is a problem with their cable boxes. Restarting your cable box could clear it of any glitches that are stopping it from working as it should.
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How do you scan channels on a converter box?

How to Rescan your Television or Digital Converter Box.
  1. Press the menu button on your remote.
  2. In your TV's menu, look for the channel setup option.
  3. Select antenna or tuner.
  4. Start a new scan.
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How do I know if my TV is digital or analog?

All DTV sets have such a labels or markings that may contain the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built-In," "Digital Receiver," "Digital Tuner," "DTV" or "ATSC." If you can't find one of these logos, you have an analog television.
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What is a cable converter?

A cable converter box or television converter box is an electronic tuning device that transposes/converts channels from a cable television service to an analog RF signal on a single channel, usually VHF channel 3 or 4, or to a different output for digital televisions such as HDMI.
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How do I know if I need a converter box for my TV?

Check the specs on your TV using your model number. If it has an ATSC digital tuner, an external converter box will not be needed. If the TV shows an NTSC analog tuner only, then a converter box will be needed.
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Can you buy your own cable box?

Most cable companies don't give you the option to purchase your own box, and you normally cannot buy cable boxes in stores and get them to work with your local cable service either.
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Can old TVs still be used?

Yes, your analog portable TV can still work if you either get a digital-to-analog converter box or sign up with a subscription service like cable or satellite TV.
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