Converting Analog TV to Digital

[screamindemon]

I have a 2008 340 and it came w/an analog tv, which is pretty much useless...

Has anyone else already converted theirs to digital, and if so, did you just replace the entire tv w/a new one that can receive digital broadcast signals?

I know they make conveters, but I think their still a bit bulky, and I'm not sure where I'd even put it...

I'm thinking that the best thing to do is just switch out the entire tv, no????

 

[skolbe]

Which TV - the bulkhead TV? There are some detailed post on how to hide the converter box on the 320 & 340.

 

[eauty]

Please don't do that!!! I have a '06 340 and for a mere $40.00 I now have TV's that actually get a great picture without cable. I can share how to install the small converter box within the island berth TV situation. The access is all behind the tv as well as the power source. It is easy, cheap and very succesful in providing digital TV at a minimum price. Just email me if you are interested. Also I can share how I rewired the island berth reading lights so they operate independant of the switch below the AC/Heat thermostat.

 

[Kreole Kid]

I just updated my salon/galley tv with a very small box that hides directly under the slide out swivel shelf. And the real beauty is that I can use the new remote to change channels by pointing at the t.v. the same way I would have pointed the original remote for the t.v. I personally wouldn't replace the t.v.(s) because the box is only $59.00 from Radio Shack. Think about the cost of replacing just 1 t.v. and for what, to get the same capability?:huh: Also some of the channels that I now receive are HD stations and the picture is great.

 

[carterchapman]

Please don't do that!!! I have a '06 340 and for a mere $40.00 I now have TV's that actually get a great picture without cable. I can share how to install the small converter box within the island berth TV situation. The access is all behind the tv as well as the power source. It is easy, cheap and very succesful in providing digital TV at a minimum price. Just email me if you are interested. Also I can share how I rewired the island berth reading lights so they operate independant of the switch below the AC/Heat thermostat.

Hey eauty,

A number of us would appreciate your instructions on how to rewire the island berth reading lights - could you post them in a new thread?

 

[dpmulvey]

My digital converter box is velcroed to the top of the original set. The pix are clearer and I have more channels (no cable at my marina). The box is thin enough that I can still slide the TV all the way into it's cabinet.

Well worth the 20 bucks.

 

[EarmarkMarine]

You can't breat the low cost of a converter.

However, if you can't completely hideaway the converter in a position where you still have access to its Infrared target then you do have other alternatives.

You can get a standalone digital tuner that includes a small remote IR target.

This also might be useful for upgrading the 12-volt flipdown LCD in an aft bunk.

All of the options are limited to RF modulation or composite video so if you're really particular about picture quality on a large salon screen then this may be an application where a replacement TV is warranted.

David
Earmark Marine

 

[Vince_nj1]

I added a DISH convertor box and was able to pick up Digital TV using the Glomax antenna. However, I am a bit of an HD snob and decided to upgrade the TV on my bulkhead to a 26" HDTV. If you don't care about High Def, a cable box is a viable solution.

I posted this with pics. Not sure if with help you with a 2008 340, but you might pick up some ideas.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20377&highlight=DISH

 

[Cocktail Time]

If you have a tv with component or HDMI inputs, I installed a Samsung HD over the air digital box we picked up at Best Buy for $179 on a buddies 340. Worked like a champ with the SR factory antenna. Crystal clear Hi-Def signal.

For those of you with boats large enough enough to have room for a 110v a/v receiver, it even had an optical audio output for surround sound through your receiver.

 

[320Bob]

I added a DISH convertor box and was able to pick up Digital TV using the Glomax antenna. However, I am a bit of an HD snob and decided to upgrade the TV on my bulkhead to a 26" HDTV. If you don't care about High Def, a cable box is a viable solution...

Vince,
You have essentially the same boat as I do. Are you saying the factory LG bulkhead TV is capable of a HD resoluton? If so I might think about upgrading mine but my marina has a satellite system that I doubt puts out an HD signal. Also, the marina is too far from Chicago to receive an over the air digital signal so that is not an option either so it would probably be a waste of money.

 

[Al Gross]

We've actually done both: installed a digital converter box in our 2006 300 DA; installed a new and larger HD TV in the salon of our 2008 340 DA on the bulkhead. Installation of the converter box on the 300 DA was easy as there was a shelf above the salon TV to set the box, and you don't need to run too many or long wires to the glomax antenna power source. There are numerous items/threads on how to do this.

We actually installed a 32" HD digital TV in our 340 on the bulkhead. Building the special bracket to hold the TV was hardest, but you can use the old glomax antenna with your new digital TV tuner and get GREAT HD TV reception.

Bottom Line: the converter box is cheaper, but harder to do on the 340 as there is really no place to put the converter box. Installing a new and larger HD TV with a digital tuner is more expensive, and takes a little work to "build-out" the bracket on the bulkhead so that the TV sits OVER and covers the old hole, but it is certainly worth it. Why? You now get HD reception/picture, and can actually see the TV from the bed, to include bottom line details from ESPN!!!!

 

[mawyatt]

If you have a tv with component or HDMI inputs, I installed a Samsung HD over the air digital box we picked up at Best Buy for $179 on a buddies 340. Worked like a champ with the SR factory antenna. Crystal clear Hi-Def signal.

For those of you with boats large enough enough to have room for a 110v a/v receiver, it even had an optical audio output for surround sound through your receiver.

We get HDTV over the air without any digital box, just standard Glomex antenna with coax cable into antenna connector on Sharp 32" HD TV we got at Walmart last year for $400.

 

[Chris R]

Any of you that have installed the "simple fix" - digital converter into the regular slide out TV- was there a particular brand that seems to fit better? Seems like one of you placed it underneath and the other velcroed it on top.

Obviously, this is not a big priority for us if we are just now getting around to it- but, I need to get it done.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Vince,
You have essentially the same boat as I do. Are you saying the factory LG bulkhead TV is capable of a HD resoluton?

Bob

The LG TV that was installed on my bulkhead was not capable of HD resolution or able to decode digital signals. The picture was OK, but I decided I wanted High Def. I first installed a 32" JVC, but it was just too big. It interfered the door for the electrical panel. I bought a 26 inch Sony High Def and installed that.

This is the orginal TV. (I don't have pics of the new TV yet.)

 

[320Bob]

Vince,
When you hooked up your new HD TV did you bypass the DTV converter and run a line directly from the antenna or through the converter. In my house I have run an antenna connection directly to my HD TVs without converting the signal.

 

[Al Gross]

Regarding best size of TV on the bulkhead, you're right in that MOST 32" TVs are too big due to electric panel door. We checked several different TVs and ended up using the Insignia 32" from Best Buy, which JUST BARELY fits and allows the electrical door to open. We LOVE IT. We get excellent reception over the air and via the GLOMAX antenna.

 

[eauty]

I used an Artec converter as it was small, easy to install and ran on 12 volts although I ended plugging it in the 110 receptacle. I ran the coax from the glomex to the converter then from the converter to the TV's. Easy job awesome results...

 

[Scanlans Pride]

The 2008 340 should not have been sold with a TV that has an analog tuner. It was against the law. You couldnt go into a store and buy the tv so why was it installed in the boat? The factory needs to make good on this. I believe they will on the bulkhead tv. The flip down is not currently available..but i heard they are coming out with them early in 2010. Otherwise if the DVD player on it breaks...the thing is useless.

 

[dpmulvey]

I used an Artec converter as it was small, easy to install and ran on 12 volts although I ended plugging it in the 110 receptacle. I ran the coax from the glomex to the converter then from the converter to the TV's. Easy job awesome results...

That is exactly what I did and with an Artec as well. I believe it is a T3AP model. IIRC, the height is about the same as or slightly less than a pack of cigarettes and about the width as 2 packs of cigarettes.

Plus one for the easy job with awesome results statement. I was absolutely amazed. I was going to upgrade to a digital flat panel for $XXX.XX but now I can get the same TV with a DVD player built in as opposed to the VHS player for about $50.00. At that price and as much as I use the TV, it becomes a throw away.

HTH

 

[Kreole Kid]

The 2008 340 should not have been sold with a TV that has an analog tuner. It was against the law. You couldnt go into a store and buy the tv so why was it installed in the boat? The factory needs to make good on this. I believe they will on the bulkhead tv. The flip down is not currently available..but i heard they are coming out with them early in 2010. Otherwise if the DVD player on it breaks...the thing is useless.

I was thinking the SAME EXACT THING !!!