Do I need the Converter Box?

[capman21]

I have a vizio hdtv and directv, but I needed to pick up some local channels that directv does not carry so I bought a outside antenna. Do I need to have the converter box the free one goverment was sending out, or do I just connect the outside antenna directly to my tv? Thanks.

[edDV]

I have a vizio hdtv and directv, but I needed to pick up some local channels that directv does not carry so I bought a outside antenna. Do I need to have the converter box the free one goverment was sending out, or do I just connect the outside antenna directly to my tv? Thanks.

What model Vizio TV? Most likely it has an ATSC digital tuner. If so it will tune the digital broadcasts directly and in HD if they are broadcasting HD.

Pointing the antenna correctly will be your problem.

[capman21]

It is a VO320E. So you just cant hook up the antenna you have to point it in the right direction to receive the channel in HD even if it is broadcasting in HD? Thanks.

[jagabo]

It has an ATSC tuner for tuning over-the-air digital broadcast. You don't need an external tuner.

[edDV]

The VO320E has a built in ATSC tuner. First you need to point the antenna, then select scan so the tuner can find the channels.

Issues.

1. The antenna must match the current TV bands for your area. VHF antennas receive ch 7-13, UHF antennas receive ch 14-51.

2. You need to point the antenna to the TV station towers. If you don't know the direction you can enter your address into

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/
http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=1

3. Then you let the tuner scan for channels.

[capman21]

Big thanks fellows.