>
> you can get really small digital converter boxes, that plug straight back  
> into the scart of the tv at the rear
>  
>  
> In a message dated 18/04/2010 01:45:31 GMT Daylight Time,  
> svetaswan@... writes:
>
>  
>  
>  
> Hi all,
>
> Well, it's been difficult enough having this computer/WiFi problem forced
> upon me - and having to make decisions on how to best deal with the
> problem. Well, thanks to my cable company - I now have a new problem to contend
> with. (Sign of the times, I guess - this probably won't be the end of it...)
>
> My cable company now requires that I attach a digital converter box to my
> t.v. to get most of the basic cable channels that I had been getting with a
> simple cable screwed directly into my t.v. set. So I cannot even get  
> channels like CNN, Fox News, the ESPNs, VH1, etc. - without setting up this  
> digital converter box. Obviously, with my EHS I was leery of bringing an  
> unfamiliar electrical device into my bedroom. Apparently, my leeriness was  
> justified.
>
> Where I sort-of "lucked out" in this unlucky situation is that my brother
> happened to be home on a visit when these new digital converter boxes
> (provided free by Comcast) arrived. My brother didn't hesitate to install his
> converter box in his bedroom. So, I've had the opportunity to "safely" test
> it out, so to speak, from a symptom standpoint. And boy, things don't look
> good.
>
> As soon as I enter my brother's bedroom, I feel a distinctly uncomfortable
> "energy". It's hard to describe - but the negative "energy field" hits me
> as soon as I enter the room - when the t.v. (with the converter box) is
> still about 9 feet (2.7 m) away. I suppose that the closer you get to it, the
> worse it gets - although I really haven't concentrated on that aspect ofit
> because I've been so concerned with the fact that the converter box's "bad
> field" seems to fill the room. It seems to be the type of energy that
> would only add to my already considerable problems - I just don't think it's
> something I could live with without some signficant "tweaking" (if that's
> possible).
>
> And what do you know? Comcast "fixed" it so that you can never turn that
> sucker off (without unplugging it). The converter box came with a remote
> control that you can use to change channels, adjust volume, and even turn the
> t.v. off - but even when the t.v. is turned "off", the converter box
> remains "ON". What a cruel "feature".
>
> The box is only about 4 in. by 6 in. (10 cm by 15 cm) - the brand is
> Motorolla. It has a fairly sizable transformer "brick" at the end of thepower
> cord, right where it plugs into an outlet. So that's an indication that
> high-frequency "dirty electricity" is being generated, at least near the
> transformer box.
>
> The only "emf meter" I have is the basic-model radio shack AM/FM radio
> that I use as a crude RF meter. Sure enough - if I hold the radio within5 or
> so inches from the transformer box, I do get a distinct buzzing sound. The
> same applies for the skinny cord leading from the transformer box to the
> device itself - distinct buzzing within 5 inches, all along the cord.
>
> Interestingly, when I hold the radio close to the converter box itself, I
> don't hear a distinct buzz at the AM frequencies that the transformer brick
> and cord responded to. However, I do get a sharp sound (that sounds
> somewhere between a whistle and a bunch of crickets chirping) at a particular AM
> frequency toward the upper end of the band.
>
> I guess I should mention that my brother has the power cord plugged intoa
> surge-protector/I guess I should mention that my brother has the power  
> cord plugged into a surge-protector/<WBR>power strip, not into the wall  
> itself. I thought I
>
> So do I have to make the sacrifice and go back to 1980 - where I'm only
> getting the "Big 3" network channels with a few extras thrown in? Or is there
> a way in which I can make the digital converter tolerable? Perhaps a
> Furman power strip would make it more tolerable? Or a ferrite bead (or two)
> placed on the skinny cord? Or what if I try to shield the converter box itself
> (at least on 3 sides) with aluminum or Mu Metal? (I should mention here
> that the converter box stays pretty warm to the touch.)
>
> Thanks for any help!
>
> ~Svetaswan
>
>
>
>
>
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