r0b37t

DTVuser2009

That's the part of the transition that sucks, big time. there's no way to upgrade an existing Portable TV unless it possesses some sort of A/V connection or 'Ext Ant' port. sadly you will need to buy a new portable if you don't have that option. either way, using it on batteries will prove useless post-transition since converters require AC juice. that means you will also need a new digital portable. expensive, too.

Many Vans/RVs will have the same problem unless they have at least VCR or DVD to make use of the built-in sets.

r0b37t

I take that back it does have an external port but it might be for the just the radio. It looks like a microphone mini jack, isn't there some sort of coaxial adapter?

DTVuser2009

That's a jack for external antenna for both the radio and TV. you can get an adaptor at Radioshack that changes that to a standard A/V-IN port, which would accept a converter box, but the problem being if the power goes out (which is where the portability comes in handy and probably the only worthwhile use for a portable TV) the converter won't work on batteries and you're in the same boat. i don't think you want to lug around a deep cycle car battery and power inverter unless you use it while hunting or something. plus you'll be unable to use the TVs built-in rod antenna with the converter, which means the added payload of another antenna as well, so unless it sits in a boat or van, you're better off with a new digital portable set.

r0b37t

nah i use it in the kitchen so il be fine. The tv gets its own power from a 120v house outlet so power shouldn't be a problem. I think I can manage buying a new little indoor antenna for the converter box. Thanks for the advice, that is what I was going to do but I could not figure out which adapter I needed.

Jay

One of our member's mentioned (here: http://www.dtvusaforum.com/converter...t-antenna.html) connecting a 75 to 200 ohm adapter some how to his built-in rabbit ears and then connecting it to his converter box, but it simply won't work.

With all the electronic blogs and brainiacs on the web, I thought there would have been a youtube video or DIY post about converting "inputless" TVs by now.

DTVuser2009

the adapter you'll be looking for is at Radioshack or other electronics store. it converts a standard headphone type external antenna jack to two RCA-type A/V ports, which allow you to use the A/V ports on the converter box with the TV. most converters today come with the A/V cables, too.

I don't know the real term for the 'earphone' jack since it's the same type of plug but if you brought it in i'm sure they can fix you up.

r0b37t

I think there might be an adapter for the old antenna. I can unscrew it and use it as one if there is some type of adapter for the old antenna. If there isn't I'll just use one of my old indoor antennas or I'll buy a new one.

DTVuser2009

i'm referring to the external antenna port being used as the input to hook up the converter box. the antenna you'll use with the setup will just plug into the box instead of the TV. the TV will need to be tuned to VHF Low, and channel 3. with some mechanical type tuner portables that can be a challenge as they're not exact.

r0b37t

yah I knew all that stuff and I don't really plan on using this tv on the go so I'l be fine. And I was just talking about if I wanted to use my old antenna for DTV. By the way I did say runs off of house current.