Hi. I just got my RCA DTA800 HD converter box, to use with my analog tv and basic cable tv service. All i'm trying to do is get the extra channels that my local stations provide (weather/news/PBS).

However, no matter if i plug the cable/coax into the converter box's "Input", or if i use an external UHF antenna for my "Input" into the box, i get no channels, and the DTA800 says "signal strength is 0%".

I've hooked it up correctly, and i can see the setup/menu/display on Channel 3 (or in Aux 1 if i route thru the RCA cables), but i can't get the box to recognize the signal - whether it's from the antenna or cable.

Again, it's not digital cable. Just a basic package. So i'm not screwing with a cable box or anything like that.

I've heard these DTA800's are good, but have tricky setups. The manual didn't say anything except "get a stronger antenna".

Any ideas?

Thanks

The government-approved converter boxes must be connected only to an antenna to work. Merging antenna and cable signals doesn't work nor will a direct connection to cable.

See this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016133

Ok, so when i hook the box up to JUST my external VHF/UHF Antenna (Phillips brand, designed to set atop your TV/ent-center), i get the same message. If i hook this antenna up directly to the TV, i get signal. If i hook it up to the box, i get *nothing*.

Now, this is not right. i should be able to pull channels thru the box via this source. this is why i have the antenna - why does the box not recognize its signal?

Ok, so when i hook the box up to JUST my external VHF/UHF Antenna (Phillips brand, designed to set atop your TV/ent-center), i get the same message. If i hook this antenna up directly to the TV, i get signal. If i hook it up to the box, i get *nothing*.

Now, this is not right. i should be able to pull channels thru the box via this source. this is why i have the antenna - why does the box not recognize its signal?


The box will ONLY work when connected to an antenna. Did you press the Menu button and do a channel scan?

If you are far away from the TV station you are trying to pick up, you may need an outdoor antenna.

ok, so i just repositioned my antenna and it works. i got a map of my local DTV broadcasters and where i had to aim the antenna to receive them.

and BOY is it clear! i can't wait 'til everything goes digital!!

thanks again for your help

Another satisfied DTV customer....

Another satisfied DTV customer....

one down, one zillion to go..:D