Digital to Analog TV Converter

[Scottster]

I know a few of you have installed converters for your older TVs. I saw where a few of you installed the Artec T3AP. I was considering using the Artec due to its smaller size. There are several different models of the Artec. Does anyone know the difference between the Pro, LL, or LS? I can't find any good information on the Internet. I think that the Artec will fit nicely behind the slide out TV.

 

[eauty]

I Think the only difference is whistles and bells within the unit like parental lock, etc.. It is a great size, easy to install unit that is also 12 volt. I plugged their converter cable into the 110 power source behind my 15in TV in the cabin. I also mounted mine by putting velcro on the unit and in one of the slots on the side of the TV so it is always out of site. I need to pull my 15in TV out a little to have the remote work on the converter but I figure it is better to have it hid most of the time as I only watch TV when docked anyways. Good luck on the installation as it is easy and the quality of the picture is awesome. Let me know if you need any advice on installation.

 

[David Paul]

I think that the Artec will fit nicely behind the slide out TV.

Keep in mind the converter will control the both tv volume as well as the station selection. Therefore it has to be enough in the open (rather than behind the TV) so you can use the remote that comes with it.

 

[370Dancer]

If you are looking for a better picture than what you used to have, I'd say what kind of converter you use depends on the capabilities of the TV. If your set only has an antenna input, then it doesn't matter for picture quality. If you have composite or S-video in, then you'll get about the same quality as regular satellite tv from those. If you have Component video in on your TV, then you have a chance of seeing 1080i HD broadcast. Your Artec won't have that feature, except maybe for the upper models. If you have HDMI, then you already have a digital tuner in your set, and won't need an outboard box. Exception: I swapped out my analog TVs for digital LCD PC monitors, and Hitachi ATSC tuners with DVI out to feed the panels for very crisp HDTV. Now that we are getting a lot closer to and sometimes lower than 10 bucks an inch, it may be time to forego all of these outboard boxes, and move to TVs with integral digital tuners. 6th Ave Electronics has Coby Tvs from 7" thru 32" at around10 bucks an inch, in today's paper. I'm gettin tempted to switch over completely. At that price, I can replace them every 4 years and not worry about em. Different brand 1080p 42" this morning for $487! It's a good time to be alive.....

 

[Kreole Kid]

I know a few of you have installed converters for your older TVs. I saw where a few of you installed the Artec T3AP. I was considering using the Artec due to its smaller size. There are several different models of the Artec. Does anyone know the difference between the Pro, LL, or LS? I can't find any good information on the Internet. I think that the Artec will fit nicely behind the slide out TV.

Hi Scottster, I JUST did my conversion a couple of weeks ago and I purchased a converter box from Radio Shack for about 65 bucks tax included. What I DO like about this particular box is that it fits directly under that small opening under the T.V. where you reach in to unlock the slide out mechanism to pull out and swivel the T.V and the included remote is used virtually the same way by pointing it at the base of the T.V. I haven't actually counted the number of channels that I receive but I will say that the picture is pretty darn good for an over the air antenna. I'm going out to the marina in a little while to play with the glomex antenna booster to see if I connect the box to that, if I will receive the same signal / picture on that little pop down T.V. in the aft section of my boat. I think I'm gonna ask Santa for a 26"-32" T.V. with a DVD player to mount on the bulk head under the helm station. I was in Sams the other day and saw one for $399. What I liked about it was the fact that the DVD loads from the right side.
FYI Check out Hampton's and Teekster's boats as I beleive we all have the same model. Those guys have done some SERIOUS UPGRADES to their boats. Good Luck:thumbsup:

 

[Scottster]

Thanks guys. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

The ARTEC unit i have has an RF and IR remote so when in RF mode you do not need line of sight to the unit for channel selection.

 

[Scottster]

The ARTEC unit i have has an RF and IR remote so when in RF mode you do not need line of sight to the unit for channel selection.

Thats good to know. Do you know what model Artec you have? I just bought a Artec T3AP LL off of E-bay. I don't know what the difference is between the models. I am sure this one will work fine though.

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

Well I must be getting old. I pulled my unit out of the box it is an ARTEC T3AP Pro. It does not have a RF remote. Sorry for the miss information I was sure I tested it in this mode. I bought two and the one I tested is on the boat. My bad.

http://artectv.com/ehtm/products/t3aprt.htm here is the link to the ARTEC site.

 

[agreico]

Is the Artec difficult to install? I looked in the back of my Sharp flat screen and found trunk line of wires. TG

 

[dpmulvey]

Is the Artec difficult to install? I looked in the back of my Sharp flat screen and found trunk line of wires. TG

It's as straight forward as a VCR if you are using coax. Take the coax off the TV and run that to the "IN" side of the converter. Take another piece of coax from the "OUT" side of the converter to the tv. Make sure your A/B (shore/antenna) switch is set to antenna. I "know" there is a switch that allows you to use channel 3 or 4 as a link. I can't recall if the switch is in the setup menu or on the converter itself. Anyhow, match the TV channel to the converter box. Go into the setup meny of the converter and run a scan.

I get great reception on about 12 channels. I only use the majors for news, sports and weather. For my needs, the picture is great. Best $20 I spent. I still have the original 15" TV/VCR and the converter fits nicely with a 1/4" of duck taped holding it to the top of the TV.

HTH

 

[Chris R]

Hi Scottster, I JUST did my conversion a couple of weeks ago and I purchased a converter box from Radio Shack for about 65 bucks tax included. What I DO like about this particular box is that it fits directly under that small opening under the T.V. where you reach in to unlock the slide out mechanism to pull out and swivel the T.V and the included remote is used virtually the same way by pointing it at the base of the T.V. I haven't actually counted the number of channels that I receive but I will say that the picture is pretty darn good for an over the air antenna. I'm going out to the marina in a little while to play with the glomex antenna booster to see if I connect the box to that, if I will receive the same signal / picture on that little pop down T.V. in the aft section of my boat. I think I'm gonna ask Santa for a 26"-32" T.V. with a DVD player to mount on the bulk head under the helm station. I was in Sams the other day and saw one for $399. What I liked about it was the fact that the DVD loads from the right side.
FYI Check out Hampton's and Teekster's boats as I beleive we all have the same model. Those guys have done some SERIOUS UPGRADES to their boats. Good Luck:thumbsup:

Same box (Radio Shack) here - although I think it retailed for 59.00 when I bought about a week ago. Works like a charm.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

i installed a coby 15'' tv/dvd in the aft hooked up to the antenna but only getting 8 channels in the higher numbers anyone know why?

 

[dpmulvey]

i installed a coby 15'' tv/dvd in the aft hooked up to the antenna but only getting 8 channels in the higher numbers anyone know why?

The only thing I can think of is location. If I were to take Saint Max closer to my home city of Richmond, VA, I would get more and a completely different set of channels from the converter box.

BTDT.....as have several friends.

HTH

 

[Havana Shamrock]

i checked the dtv website and the signal is strong ,where the boat is i;m wondering if i need a convertor???

 

[sbw1]

Well I must be getting old. I pulled my unit out of the box it is an ARTEC T3AP Pro. It does not have a RF remote. Sorry for the miss information I was sure I tested it in this mode. I bought two and the one I tested is on the boat. My bad.

http://artectv.com/ehtm/products/t3aprt.htm here is the link to the ARTEC site.

We have the same unit paired with a Sharp Aquos flatscreen. We are in an area of Michigan wilth stations that are about 20 miles away. The picture is as good as our cable service at home. We are very happy with its performance.