[Electronics-talk] Digital TV Options for TV Radios

[Gerald Levy]

Every DTV converter box I have seen has composite A/V jacks on the rear 
ppanel.  However, you cannot simply connect the converter box to an audio 
only device like a wireless FM transmitter without first going through the 
set-up procedure which requires connection to a TV set and sighted 
assistance to navigate through the set-up menus.  Set-up involves selecting 
language and time zone and scanning for available digital channels. But 
there's another fly in the ointment.  Using one of these boxes requires 
frequent antenna reorientation for optimum reception.  For this reason, most 
DTV converter boxes have an on-screen signal strength meter. And obviously, 
if the antenna has to be adjusted frequently, trying to listen to audio in 
another room using a portable radio would not be practical.   And activating 
the SAP channel may also require accessing an onscreen menu option.  So it 
would be very difficult to use one of these boxes unless it is connected to 
a TV.

Gerald
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Jacobson" <steve.jacobson at visi.com>
To: <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 12:25 PM
Subject: [Electronics-talk] Digital TV Options for TV Radios


> This seems like a good project to direct at those of us hear who have an 
> interest in experimenting.  On another list, frustration was expressed 
> over the fact that the TV
> radios that many of us use won't work as TV stations go digital.  I 
> suggested some alternatives, but it would be good if those of us who don't 
> mind experimenting could
> come up with some ideas that we specifically know work.
>
> Do any of you have experience with digital converter boxes with audio 
> outputs?  My understanding is that audio outputs are not uncommon, but how 
> common are they
> on boxes covered by the coupons?
>
> When audio outputs are available, one suggestion I made was that there are 
> several FM transmitters around that might allow a digital converter to 
> make the audio
> available through an FM radio anywhere in the house.  These devices seem 
> to come and go.  Has anyone purchased an FM transmitter during the past 
> month or two
> that they like?  I have several, but they are all a couple of years old. 
> This approach isn't as good as a TV radio, but it would afford some 
> portability around the house.
>
> Does anyone make a truly portable digital converter?  I suspect the demand 
> for such a thing would be very small, but who knows.
>
> Any ideas might be helpful as we see analog TV disappear.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve Jacobson
>
>
>
>
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