RCA DTA809

Quick Start Guide
DTA809
www.1800customersupport.com/RCA
About Digital TV
The Converter Box can be installed either horizontally or vertically. The left side of the Converter Box can be rotated as a stand
for vertical installation. You must adequately ventilate the product. Refer to your user manual for the ventilation requirement.
Vertical installation (recommended) Horizontal installation
Bottom view
Congratulations on purchasing your new RCA Digital TV Converter Box.
Please read these instructions for quick tips on using the unit.
Digital TV is a new broadcast system for TV stations intended to replace the analog NTSC television system in the United
States. The technical standard for Digital TV is de ned by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).
Digital channels
An advantage of digital TV broadcasting is that each broadcaster can now send multiple channels. For example, a broadcaster
might send the main program on channel 8-1 with a weather channel on channel 8-2. To view the weather on that station,
just press the number “8”, then the “dash” button, and then the number “2”. The standard format of digital channel numbers
consists of two groups of numbers (2-digit and 1-digit) and separated by a dash (e.g. 12-3).
Receiving digital signals
The Digital TV signal is di erent from the analog NTSC signal. A good signal strength is required to successfully receive and
decode Digital TV broadcasts. Unlike analog broadcasts, which may show a “fuzzy” image with a weak signal, Digital TV
images may “break up” or not display at all if the signal is too weak. If your Digital TV signal is weak, you may need to purchase
a more powerful antenna to improve reception.
In general, a simple indoor antenna connected to the DTA809 Digital TV Converter Box is su cient for receiving Digital TV.
However, some areas may require the use of a more powerful antenna. If you  nd you are not receiving local stations or the
signal is weak, you should switch to a “Smart Antenna” or an outdoor antenna. The Smart Antenna is a new type of steerable
antenna without any moving parts and is highly recommended. This Converter Box is compatible for connection with a
Smart Antenna.
Step 1: Installation

RCA DTA809 Specifications

General

Brand	RCA
Model	DTA809
Category	TV Converter Box
Language	English

Summary

About Digital TV

Digital Channels Explained

Details how broadcasters send multiple channels using digital TV, with examples of channel numbering.

Receiving Digital TV Signals

Discusses signal strength requirements for digital TV and the need for a powerful antenna if reception is weak.

Step 1: Installation

Vertical Installation

Instructions for installing the converter box vertically, noting it is the recommended orientation.

Horizontal Installation

Guidance on how to position and install the converter box in a horizontal orientation.

Step 2: Connections

Basic Connection to TV

Details the basic connection method for the converter box to a TV using coaxial or AV cables.

Connecting via VCR

Explains how to connect the converter box to a TV through a VCR, including channel selector settings.

Step 3: Initial Setup

Language Selection

Guides users on how to select the preferred language for the converter box menu system.

Automatic Channel Scan

Instructions on initiating an automatic channel scan to find available digital broadcasts.

Channel List Display

Describes the channel list menu that appears after scanning and how to select a channel.

Step 4: Optional Remote Programming

Display 16:9 Contents

Fullscreen Mode

Explains the fullscreen mode for displaying 16:9 content on a 4:3 TV, with image cropping.

Widescreen Mode

Describes the widescreen mode for displaying 16:9 content, showing black bars on a 4:3 TV.

Using 16:9 TVs

Provides recommendations for using a 16:9 TV with the digital converter to optimize picture display.

Selecting Display Modes

Step-by-step instructions on how to access the menu and select between Fullscreen and Widescreen modes.