How to make sure TV has digital tuner

Q If we get a new TV this Christmas, will it be digital-ready, or do we need a converter box?

A It'll be digital-ready and have a digital tuner if Santa brings it. He knows what he's doing. But if you're buying it, make sure it contains a digital tuner. Here are some tips from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

Look at the label. Many DTVs and equipment for digital television will have labels or markings on them, or statements in informational materials that indicate the set contains a digital tuner. Look for the words "Integrated Digital Tuner," "Digital Tuner Built In," "Digital Receiver" or "Digital Tuner," "DTV," "ATSC" or "HDTV" (high-definition television). Any of these labels will indicate that you should be able to view digital over-the-air programming without the need for a digital-to-analog converter box. (Remember, you do not need an HDTV to view free over-the-air digital programming. You just need a digital tuner. An HDTV is only necessary if you want to view programming in full high-definition quality.)

If the label describes the television as "analog" or "NTSC," and does not say it contains a digital tuner, then it contains an analog tuner only. Such a set could work as a monitor, but you may not want to buy it for TV viewing.

Careful of monitors. If the TV is labeled as a "Digital Monitor" or "HDTV Monitor," or as "Digital Ready" or "HDTV Ready," this does not mean it actually contains a digital tuner. You probably will need a separate digital tuner to view over-the-air digital programming. Set-top tuners for digital or HD "monitors" can be purchased at retail stores. Cable and satellite TV providers also sell or lease digital set-top boxes for their specific services. (Note: The digital set-top box described here is not the same as the digital-to-analog converter box used to convert free over-the-air digital broadcasts for viewing on an analog TV set.)

Ask. If you cannot determine whether a TV contains a digital tuner, ask at the store or contact the manufacturer. If buying online, check the manufacturer's website for this information.

Antifreeze in toilets? Q Can I pour antifreeze in the toilets at the lake home to keep them from freezing?

A Do not use automotive antifreeze. The main hazardous ingredient in many brands of automotive antifreeze is ethylene glycol. It's very poisonous. In humans, the chemical can be absorbed through the skin and damage internal organs, so be sure to wear gloves when handling it. Avoid inhaling the fumes, which can cause dizziness. When swallowed, it can cause severe damage to the heart, kidneys and brain, even death. Its sweet smell attracts animals, which can die if they drink or even lick it.

If you are closing up a home for winter, always use the less toxic types of antifreeze (the ones that contain propylene glycol). RV antifreeze is the least toxic of those available.

For RV antifreeze, only the purest type of propylene glycol (PG) is allowed. In addition, RV antifreeze provides "burst protection" for pipes. Burst protection to minus-50 degrees is achieved with a PG solution of less than 35 percent. For this reason, most RV antifreezes come diluted with as much as 65 percent water.

When winterizing a home, pour RV antifreeze into all traps and drains, including the dishwasher and showers. Use 2 cups in toilet bowls and tanks, and about 1 cup in other drains.

Includes information from peakantifreeze.com Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune. com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.