DTVuser2009

Updated problems:

Converter makes whistling, high pitched whine, or buzzing noises. the converter either stops working and the noise happens, or the converter makes the noise when off/standby or the noise worsens with use. converter may be hot to touch.

SOLUTION

Back in the early days of Home Theatre, this sort of thing happened often with low quality or inexpensive VCRs, LaserDisc Players, or other gadgets. it's usually the power supply transformer having an 'arc' or literal spark jumping a gap of winding inside. it will cause heat to build up and of course make the component warmer than normal to the touch. it's the result of bad or poor quality components in cheaper electronics. it's a fire hazard as well. in some cases the component may immediately stop working or power off and the sound changes to a high pitched squeal or whistle. that is after the transformer shorts the windings that were arcing and most likely it causes the component to smoke and even go boom (pop! no more component)

If your converter is doing such things, it's HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that the converter is taken back to the retailer (during the 30-day return/exchange period, remember, if you used a coupon you're either limited to exchange for same item only or you may lose the ability to return at all so you're stuck buying a new box) as this condition is a power supply issue that can cause a fire or electric shock.

DTVuser2009

UPDATED:

PROBLEM:

Converter worked fine, but then now shows only a blue or black screen.

SOLUTION:

Some converters, especially the cheap ones, are prone to failure. either the internal power transformer was of bad quality and therefore opened a winding which results in no power and a dead box (no LED on front) or the box is in a state of 'confusion' and before assuming the worst, try unplugging the box, let it sit for 10 min, and then plug it back in. this 'reboots' the box's internal memory and may bring it back to life. also verify that you didn't accidentally turn the TV channel to something other than 3/4 or if the box is hooked to a VCR, make sure it's also still on Channel 3/4 (or line input if using A/V cables) and turned on and in 'VCR mode'.

PROBLEM:

HELP! DTV was fine until just after June 12th, now i'm missing [some or all] channels!!!

SOLUTION:

Some stations didn't quite make it clear on the 'hidden transition' and didn't tell all of us that they were switching around to VHF from UHF or vice versa, meaning the channel list in your box's memory is now obsolete, and all that needs to be done is to go to the menu on the box, and do a 'channel scan' and reset the channel list to update and you should see the channels re-appear, maybe even get some new ones. if you are still having trouble, see the 'Reception' forum here and ask someone. it may be in a location (like VHF) where it's hard to receive with your current antenna.

Sue Wosmansky

I applied back in Mark and never received. I work for the Federal Government and everyone is saying that they had no problems. But I didn't get mine.

Eureka

They allowed applicants to re-apply for quite some time, but it's way too late now. The last day to apply/re-apply for coupons was 7/31/09.

Check eBay for converter boxes. Avoid Magnavox or RCA. Look for Zenith, Insignia or Artec. There are other good ones, too. Ask around on this forum.