Cheapest way to convert Dell 19"FP Monitor to HDTV

[jinxedup]

I have a Dell E19FPB (19" Flat Panel) that I want to convert to an over the air HDTV.
1) What is my cheapest option to accomplish this (What do I need to buy)
2) Can I leverage the DTV 2008 coupon program in any way to accomplish this?

[edDV]

You mean you want to connect it directly to an external ATSC tuner?

Do you mean 1908WFP? If not provide a link to specs.

1) Does it support HDCP?

2) Coupon boxes only output SD composite, sometimes SD S-Video. Answer is no unless you also buy an expensive scan converter. Result would still be degraded SD.

[stiltman]

Install a tuner card in your PC?

[jinxedup]

Sorry my monitor is a Dell E197FPb (Not widescreen). If I search for it on Dell I get a different code 1908FP (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Displays/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dh...9&sku=320-5293)
lights
4 USB 2.0 high speed ports for easy access to connect peripheral devices
1280x1024 pixels resolution for sharp and brilliant images of text and graphics
300 cd/m² brightness and 800:1 contrast ratio for high color accuracy and uniformity
5 ms typical response time enables crisp and clear images
Offers viewing angle of 160° horizontal and vertical
Supported by Dell™ Technical Support

Anyways the only input it accepts is VGA input

I want to turn it into a HDTV (over the air) without having to use a PC

Would appreciate any assistance you can provide

[edDV]

Not easily. Not inexpensively.

HD ATSC tuners export HDMI, DVI-D or analog component. Conversion to VGA would require a scan converter.

First an HD ATSC tuner that exports HD will cost ~ $90up (no rebate)
see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095

Next you need a scan converter to shift 1920x1080i or 1280x720p to 1280x1024p VGA. If your tuner is capable of 1080i to 720p conversion, you could get by with an analog component to VGA converter. These will add up to more than a new small screen LCD-TV.

The cheaper option is to use a coupon SD ATSC tuner then go through composite or S-Video scan conversion to VGA. The picture may be adequate for your needs. Search "NTSC to VGA". For example
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3877499&CatId=1430

[jinxedup]

Thanks so I thought.

Im probably going to get a tuner like
http://www.amazon.com/External-Standalone-LCD-TV-Tuner/dp/B000XY6N5Y/ref=pd_cp_e_0?pf_...8EBNVAQ4NV4XAD

And probably get an Antenna for cheap

[edDV]

Thanks so I thought.

Im probably going to get a tuner like
http://www.amazon.com/External-Standalone-LCD-TV-Tuner/dp/B000XY6N5Y/ref=pd_cp_e_0?pf_...8EBNVAQ4NV4XAD

And probably get an Antenna for cheap

Sorry, thought you said you wanted to tune ATSC not analog NTSC. On Feb 17, 2009 this box will only work from an analog cable connection or for dubs. It is not HD. It won't tune digital channels SD or HD.

[usually_quiet]

As edDV said, with an NTSC tuner, it won't be much use after Feb 17 of next year, unless you plan to use it with a line-in from a converter box after that.

[Supreme2k]

How about something like this?

[edDV]

How about something like this?

It's an SD analog NTSC tuner with upscale. It may be possible to feed it with an external $150 ATSC tuner over analog component in.

Easier to just buy a new LCD-TV on Black Friday.