Should You Get a DTV Converter Box or an HDTV?

Only analog TVs require converter boxes

By
Matthew Torres
Matthew Torres
Writer
  • Texas State University-San Marcos
Former Lifewire writer Matthew Torres is a journalist who writes about television technology, consumer support articles, and TV-related news.
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Updated on July 22, 2021
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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A DTV converter box is a tuner that converts a signal from digital to analog so that a digital television (DTV) transmission can be used with an analog TV set. HDTVs do not require converter boxes, so if your set is so old that it needs one, you might as well consider an upgrade.

DTV converters are also called DTAs (digital television adapters).

A family shops for TVs in a store.
Matthias Tunger / Getty Images

Do I Need a DTV Converter Box for My TV?

Because analog TV sets are no longer being manufactured, the only reason you would need a converter box is if you have a really old TV that only accepts analog signals. All analog TV transmissions ended in the US in 2009, so if you want to watch HD television on your old analog set, then you must get a DTV converter.

If your TV has a built-in ATSC (digital) tuner, you can get your local broadcast stations in HD by using an antenna.

Do HDTVs Require DTV Converter Boxes?

All HDTVs are built to handle digital transmissions. In fact, connecting a DTV converter box to your HDTV will decrease the picture quality. If you have an HDTV, you'll only need a converter box if you want to connect an analog VCR.

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