Aquos TVs --Analog to Digital

[VelaFella]

Is a converter box the solution when the switchover from analog to digital takes place next year? If so, how would it be connected and powered at anchor? Currently, the TV and Bose systems in the Hunter 41 are interconnected and powered by a 600 watt inverter. (Sharp will not be making digital versions of Aquos TVs smaller than 26". Mine is a 15".)

 

[Rick D]

Double Check Your Documentation

...unless I misunderstood, the Aquos is digital. I have a 15" Aquos and a 15" non-Aquos on the boat and I will only need the converter for the non-Aquos. I think that they have discontinued building Aquos in the smaller sizes (high-def) but that the tuner in your model is digital. This is from memory and my documentation is on the boat, so I can't back up my recollection. Hopefully I am right and you have nothing to do. RD

 

[rardiH36]

Yep -- & The Converter Box I Bought Draws Only 7 Watts

I haven't done it yet on my boat, but I did already buy a converter box for home. Zenith DTT900 at Circuit City. We ordered the Fed Governments $40 off coupons several months ago, so the next cost to us was only $20.The spec sheet says power consumption is only 7 watts. So your inverter probably won't even notice th extra current draw. Normal 75 ohm coax antenna input. Output to TV is 75 ohm, or for better quality, use the RCA video out to the RCA video in on your TV. Unfortunately these converter units do not have s-video or component video out.Picture quality is much better than the analog.

 

[rardiH36]

Further -- I didn't See Rick's Post When I Posted

Ron:With my last post, I assumed that since you were asking, you didn't have a digital set. Note that up until a couple/three of year ago most high-def sets were "HDTV Ready", meaning they didn't have the digital tuner built in. Hi Def would come from the cable, satellite, hd dvd's, off air converters, etc. If you already have a digital or HDTV tuner built in, almost all stations in the country (at least in larger areas) are already broadcasting in Hi-Def and Digital. They are still broadcasting in Analog which will be turned off early next year.If your aquos is Hi-Def ready, these inexpensive off air converter boxes only convert to standard digital. Not Hi-Def. But the picture quality is still pretty darn good. Difference might not too noticeable on a 15" any way unless you are watching from only a couple of feet away.

 

[VelaFella]

Digital Aquos TV

Here are the specs. for my Aquos, model LC-15BU$. I don't know if this tells you anything. But it was my understanding -- quite possibly incorrect -- that this model does not have a digital tuner. Please let me know what you thinks. Thanks.ItemsLCD panel 15” Advanced Super View & BLACK TFT LCDNumber of dots 921,600 dots VGAVideo color systems N358, N443, PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, SECAM, PAL-60Destination USA/Latin America/TaiwanTV Standard (CCIR) NTSC/PAL-M/PAL-NTV function TV Tuning System PLL 181 ch.STEREO MTS+SAPCATV 125 ch.Y/C FILTER 4-LINE COMB FILTERBrightness 430 cd/m2Lamp life (Fluorescent lamp) 60,000 hoursViewing angles H: 170° V: 170°Audio amplifier 2.1 W × 2Speakers 137/64 × 23/4 in. (4 × 7 cm), 2 pcs.AV-IN1 AV-IN1, S-VIDEO-INAV-IN2 AV-IN2/AV-OUTTerminals COMPONENT COMPONENT-IN, AUDIO-INAntenna F-TypeHeadphone Mini-jack for stereo (ø3.5 mm)OSD language English/French/SpanishPower supply DC 12V, AC 110-240V, 50/60HzWeight 11.5 lbs. (5.2 kg), w/o accessoriesAccessories Remote control, Battery (x2), Antenna cable, AC adapter,AC cord, Cable clamp (x2), Operation manualAs a part of policy of continuous improvement, SHARP reserves the right to make design and specification

 

[VelaFella]

Auous TV--Totally Lost

I'm totally lost re whether my TV will meet next year's requirements without a converter box.

 

[rardiH36]

Look for ATSC Tuner = Digital

Ron:The digital tuner standard listed for the Zenith Converter box is "DTV standard ATSC" Also, from a digital TV education websight:"Again, the key question is: Does the set have a digital tuner? How can you tell? A digital tuner is sometimes called an “ATSC tuner” (after the Advanced Television Systems Committee, which created the U.S. digital TV standard). So look for a label that refers to an ATSC or digital (or “ATSC digital”) tuner. A TV labeled “HD Built-In” or “Integrated HDTV” should include a digital tuner."I don't see ATSC listed in your specs. This is a good forum, but often, nothing is better than in-person help. If its not a problem, you could unplug your TV (or get the spec sheet) and take either one to your local Best Buy or Circuit City or Radio Shack. (But not Target or Walmart). They can help you hands on with a convertor box if needed and show you how to hook it up.If your boat currently receives analog ok, odds are digital broadcasts are already beaming all around you. You don't need to wait until next year to make the transition.

 

[VelaFella]

Good Suggestion

Thanks!

 

[nathans104]

Sharp Aquos

I have a 2004 "386" with the same TV. I contacted Sharp, and they told me that I needed the converter. They stated that the Aquos was not digital.

 

[VelaFella]

That confirms my initial understanding

Thanks!

 

[Manny]

You would definitely know if the Sharp had a digital tuner

You would get the same stations twice, one in analog, and one in digital. You would notice a major difference in picture quality. Also you would get extra stations. For what it's worth I received the coupons and found that Sears is selling magnavox converter boxes for $50. After the coupon they are $10. Not a bad deal.Now if I could only pick up any digital stations in Havre De Grace.......Manny