Digital TV switchover problem

spike70 · 16 March 2009 at 7:17PM

I have a very old 14" portable TV with no scart socket, it also cannot be tuned in as the remote control unit failed a few years ago, so I can only receive the basic 4 channels (yes its that old even ch5 isnt tuned in). Once the analogue reception is switched off later this year (Granada region) this TV will be completely useless.

It is only used occasionally in the spare room, so my question is, should I buy a new TV now or wait until after the switchover? Argos do a 14" LCD with built in freeview for £100. Do you think that TV's will be cheaper than this after the switchover and will retailer be doing more special offers?

CFC · 16 March 2009 at 7:37PM

I don't think the switchover will have a huge effect one way or the other. The price of LCDs has been coming down, there's a huge difference in the prices compared to two years ago.

derrick · 17 March 2009 at 3:10PM

I belive it is possible to convert your tv without a scart so that it can receive digital E.G.1

E.G 2

I know you don't have a remote, but you could get one, (maybe a universal one?).

Or maybe this one.

.

robv_3 · 17 March 2009 at 4:34PM

You can get Freeview boxes that contain modulators which will allow you to connect the TV via a aerial lead. Some allow the modulator frequency/channel to be changed so you could set it to the same channel as our current bbc1. (after switchover)

Just because you can does not mean you should! The freeview boxes which allow you what is required are £50 or up. IMHO better putting this towards the price of a new TV.

Wait, technology prices never go up like for like in the long term.

almillar · 18 March 2009 at 10:25AM

You should join your local freecycle group. Perfectly good 14" TVs (with SCART and remote!) are given away on my group quite often. Saves someone dumping a good TV...

spike70 · 25 March 2009 at 9:10AM

Thanks all for your replies

I still have the remote but the actual remote control receiver has been removed from the TV because it started switching channels on its own , the TV repair shop couldn't fix it so they removed the remote control unit!

The only buttons available are the channel and volume up/down on the front.

The Freeview modulators sound like a possible idea, I was looking at them recently but I had discounted them because it said you need to tune them in. I didnt realise that you can change the frequency channel on the modulator itself :think:. £50 is a bit steep though like you say.

underlay_guru · 25 March 2009 at 4:29PM

Hi,

We used to have a freeview box which didnt need a scart input, just ran through to the TVs aerial socket.....from memory, it was a GOODMANS GDB2!

dougk_2 · 25 March 2009 at 4:34PM

I would have a bit of a google for Digital boxes that have RF output and then take a glance at the local freeadds etc and ebay.
I recently bought a Humax 8000T PVR (freeview recorder) of ebay that had an RF output for under £30. It maybe about 4-5 years old but works perfect and allows you to record programs. I'd take a look around for one of these.

ormus · 25 March 2009 at 7:44PM

im fairly sure the freeview boxes at asda for under 20 quid, still have a RF ouput socket.

moonrakerz · 25 March 2009 at 8:49PM

ormus wrote: »

im fairly sure the freeview boxes at asda for under 20 quid, still have a RF ouput socket.

That is probably just RF Loopthrough, not a modulator fitted STB. I had great difficulty getting one a couple of years ago, eventually got a Humax, but I think they have stopped doing them now.

One solution:-

http://www.technotoad.com/how-to-build-your-own-rf-modulator-for-your-tv.php

veronarona · 9 April 2009 at 5:50PM

almillar wrote: »

You should join your local freecycle group. Perfectly good 14" TVs (with SCART and remote!) are given away on my group quite often. Saves someone dumping a good TV...

My very thoughts!

veronarona

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