My converter box died

e4smith · 06-21-2009, 05:23 PM

I've been using my converter box for a few months now without problems, until I turned on my TV this week and got nothing but static. I've checked all the connections, bought a new coaxle cable, switched in another tv thinking the coaxle connection on my tv might be bad, but still nothing. I can't even acess the menu for my converter...

The only option I seem to have left is to buy a new box. Can anyone think of something I might be missing or do I just have to put up the $40.00? Please help. Thanks.

O-O · 06-21-2009, 05:38 PM

What kind of converter box? If you're seeing static, it sounds like one of either of these 3 things:

1. Bad connection

2. Analog Pass-Through was accidently enabled.

3. The TV is set for the wrong channel or input

Some converters have an analog pass-through feature which allows you to switch back and forth between a converter boxes analog tuner and digital tuner.

e4smith · 06-21-2009, 05:44 PM

I have an Apex. I know the channel is correct and my connections are good, but the Analog Pass-Through sounds very possible...How do I check that? Thank you.

CptlA · 06-21-2009, 05:52 PM

Does your remote have an A/D button on it? Turn it on and try hitting that button.

e4smith · 06-21-2009, 06:08 PM

Unfortunately no, and there isn't anything on the box itself that will allow me to switch it manually. I'm going to do some research on this system though -- the problem seems too likely to be something like this. I can't imagine that the box went from being fine to completely not working over night, I just can't think of anything else.

Thank you for your help. If you have any more suggestions, please keep em' coming.

staticMHZ · 06-22-2009, 03:34 PM

Does it even turn on? Alot of people that got the Apex boxes said they died and just stopped turning on after a few weeks. What model do you have?

divxhacker · 06-22-2009, 05:54 PM

The Apex and Magnavox converter boxes should be outlawed. I want to see how theyre made, though. I've been trying to get one of each on eBay, but the bids surpass my $7 maximum bid mark they are truly worth.

Most common part to fail in cheap appliances like these is the internal power transformer - they use too thin a gauge of an input voltage wire, and/or wound too short, it gets hot and burns out too quickly. The low-wattage power switching mechanism can also burn out, as it is also power-sensitive. Power spike could wreck that if they use a cheap part there. Oop, quite a number of these coupon boxes ARE made cheaply.

DTVuser2009 · 06-23-2009, 08:23 AM

It also could have just powered down in the 'power save' mode after a few hours too. when they are off, the LED normally glows a bright red. when on it's either bright green or bright blue, depending on the box.

Also, try unplugging it and wait 10 minutes, then plug it back in. that's the box's equivilent to a 'reboot'. it resets the internal memory and should clear anything that would 'lock up' the box. remember these boxes have a few parts very similar to a small handleld computer (Intel ARM CPU, a small amount of RAM, and an operating system (OS) inside a programmable ROM chip) so locking up, or software 'bugs' are not out of the question.


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