Your Home Electronics Questions - answered!

Hello Chris, I have a 2001 Sharp TV (not even a flat screen...) that has never given me any problems.  I love that TV.  Well, anyway, do you think that kind of TVs may be suitable for the new digital format?   Someone told me yes just by buying the converter box, could you help me out?  Thank you.

Hey peacekeeper,

All televisions will be able to handle the new digital television format, however for a TV purchased in 2001, you WILL need to purchase a converter box. All televisions purchased after 2005 already come with an "internal converter box" or an ATSC tuner.

Unfortunately, the last day to apply for the $40 government converter box coupon was July 31st, 2009 - so you won't be able to get that $40 discount. As far as converter boxes go, Sears offers two different models, which you can view at the address below:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&keyword=converter+box&sLevel=0

Both boxes are the same price, and will perform the same functions. However, customers that come in the store who have already purchased and installed their converter boxes have told me that the Zenith brand trumps Dish Network's model.

Installation is simple, and I'd be more than happy to help you out with that if you needed it! Please let me know :)

I do believe we no longer carry the zenith brand, its limited supply

I didn't think so, either. My store has been out of stock on those since the switch happened. We're not getting any of the Dish Network boxes in either. I just thought it was a coincidence.

The Dish Network brand has not been discontinued but once stock has been depleted we will no longer be carrying that one either from the looks of it.

How about this one... I'm looking at some 5.1 audio systems.  My wife suggested we look at one with a Blu-ray built-in since we were going to be looking into one, anyway.

My question is... this year's generation of Blu-ray players is much better than the predecessors.  So... would you have any idea what generation of Blu-ray player a 5.1 system would have for its built-in player?

Also... that did make sense, right..?

I guess... are Blu-ray players built into 5.1 systems older or current generation?

There, I simplified my question...

Thank you for your advised ElectronicsGuy.  I'll look forward to take advantage of it.

Thanks again!

I got a standard DVD player, go'n into an RF modulator, that connects to the RF port of an old Sony picture tube display.

:)

I need help.  I am looking for a new Tv and I need to know if they all have the built in digital now or if I will have to buy a converter along with the new tv? My husband and I want a Flat screen and I really dont know what I need to look for so we do not have to buy a converter also.  Please someone HELP!!!!!!!!!!

LOL Adam.  Is it one of those new fangeled color models!?

alynnsmith said…

I need help.  I am looking for a new Tv and I need to know if they all have the built in digital now or if I will have to buy a converter along with the new tv? My husband and I want a Flat screen and I really dont know what I need to look for so we do not have to buy a converter also.  Please someone HELP!!!!!!!!!!

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If I'm not mistaken, all TVs sold after a particular year are REQUIRED to have a digital tuner built in.  I want to say it was any TV sold after the year 2006 or 2007...

All television models manufactured after 2005 carry an internal converter (ANTC tuner).

Current, basically the same models for the most part just surround sound functionality added in. I suggest either the Sony or Panasonic Blu-Ray Home Theaters.

AdamO said…

I got a standard DVD player, go'n into an RF modulator, that connects to the RF port of an old Sony picture tube display.

:)

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Way to go, Adam! If you were trying to get the worst picture possible from a DVD player......then you have suceeded!!

I bought a plasma samsung tv with 1 hemi conection, the speaker have no stero sound. My queastion is this. Can Ihook up Pyle 3" 100 Watt mini speaker to my tv. Thank You. Jean.

What all can you hook up to Plye 3" 100 Watt minni cube speaker. G6

Ok I will bite.  Since I am researching blue ray players and home theater sound,

I continually read that the blue ray player function is still evolving..such as capable of netflix etc etc.  So the current catch is make sure the player especially if your buying an all in one system is to make sure it has the features you want.

So with the reports that they are evolving fast, I will probably continue to research at my favorite non sales review site.  Now for my question.

What is the lead time of new electronic merchandise from first manufacture to the store?  In other words when the gadget becomes available, how long before yall got it?  (on average of course and assuming your going to carry it)

Zenith is alive and well and the product is made in Mexico

Pixel failure - how does the mfg handle this fault, in or out of warranty, primarily in warranty and how does Sears handle this defect under an MPA?