Change in TV Signal

[Paully_44]

Most people are aware that in February of 2009, TV stations will be required to change the format of their transmission signal from Analog to Digital. What that means is our old analog TV sets will no longer recieve a signal unless they are upgraded to a digital set or a converter box is purchased. What I just learned today, is the National Telecommunications and Information Adminstration will be giving out a maximum of 2 $40 coupons for converter boxes.

Thought I'd pass that along for those who do not wish put spend the extra cash to buy a new TV set.

[DaJudge]

My understanding is that people who have an analog set, but are cable or satellite subscribers won't be affected. This will only affect people with analog sets who receive their TV signal over the airwaves (antenna).

[MacUser]

I see this being a huge topic soon. Possible Sticky. Thanks for posting.

[INLOVE]

Anything to get us to spend more

[Full Quiver]

DaJudge is correct. These converters will allow you to tune into HD channels though (local ones).

Cable subscribers will soon be able to purchase their own cable boxes in much the same way theu can purchase their modems. This can save lots of money since some providers, Comcast in Nashville, charge up to $8 a month for each additional box you have.

[Gerald Creasy]

Isnt this for people who still get tv over an antennae?

Who does that anymore?

[stevenson]

DaJudge and Gerald are correct. It's mostly a bunch of hype about nothing. If your receiving digital service now and have no problem, you'll have none then.

[RamboPreacher]

Isnt this for people who still get tv over an antennae?

Who does that anymore?

yes
not many

[Billy n NC]

Paully, Were you listening to the Clark Howard Show about 1:30 PM today. Is that where you heard that..

I did. Like llistening to him.

but yes this Analog to Digital is going to be a boondogle windfall for alot of people.

And they will neve be told about he 2=$40 vouchers Uncle Sam will give them to cover the cost.

If you get Cable or Dish Satellite. You do not need one of these devices. ONLY if you are one fo the few who use Antenna.

[RuSKY]

Isnt this for people who still get tv over an antennae?

Who does that anymore?

yes
not many

RP, I read that there are several million households, in rural areas, which
still use Antennas.

BTW. I have been told, that with Digital TV receptions in fringe areas,
one will either get the picture crystal clear or not at all. since the transmissions
will be a series of "0's and 1's" there will be no snow. Does this make sense to you Techies?

RuSKY

[Full Quiver]

As a cable installer I can tell you that lots and lots of folks do not have cable or satellite. In our area cable is not cheap because we do not have competition. AT&T is moving in this Spring so hopefully prices will drop but Comcast just raised their rates again. Since 2001 Comcast has raised rates locally by 40%. I'm told many areas pay around $15 a month for standard cable; we pay $50 per month for standard and $80 for digital.

[biblemanryan]

Isnt this for people who still get tv over an antennae?

Who does that anymore?

yes
not many

I guess that I am one of those not many. For a few years, growing up, we didn't have a tv at all. From my recollection, the one we had broke, and my dad decided not to get a new one. Eventually, we did, but we never had cable or satellite. Personally, I can't see shelling out the extra dough, when I wouldn't use it nearly enough to make it worth the cost. Or if I did use it enough, I would feel guilty for sitting around that much. The way I look at it, that's about $600 a year I am saving. that's almost enough for a house payment!

God bless

[DaJudge]

Isnt this for people who still get tv over an antennae?

Who does that anymore?

yes
not many

I guess that I am one of those not many. For a few years, growing up, we didn't have a tv at all. From my recollection, the one we had broke, and my dad decided not to get a new one. Eventually, we did, but we never had cable or satellite. Personally, I can't see shelling out the extra dough, when I wouldn't use it nearly enough to make it worth the cost. Or if I did use it enough, I would feel guilty for sitting around that much. The way I look at it, that's about $600 a year I am saving. that's almost enough for a house payment!

God bless

It's worth the price to me just to get Fox News. If I had to get my news for NBC, CBS, ABC, or PBS, I'd go postal (no offense Rahab)

[free]

Got this from our local news channel web site:


By now you've probably heard about digital television. You know that local TV stations around the country are transitioning to digital TV. But you might not know what that means for you. Here's a guide to help you understand the new universe of digital TV.

Broadcasters are changing to digital because the government has mandated that local TV stations must provide their programming in the new broadcasting technology known as digital TV. Digital brings a crisper, clearer look to your TV picture. Digital technology also lets broadcasters transmit network programming in high-definition as well, also a much sharper picture. Finally, digital technology is also more efficient and frees up space to transmit other information, such as safety services or additional channels. Nearly all local stations are currently sending their programming today in digital, but they also are continuing to transmit their signals in analog. But, they will no longer transmit their programs in analog after Feb. 17, 2009, per the government mandate.

However you won't lose your local programming on that date. Nor do you have to rush out today to buy a new set. But here's what you will need to know to keep receiving your regular programs from the local station.

The big question you probably have is what do you need to buy?

All high-definition sets are also digital, but not all digital sets are high-definition.

If you decide to take the high-definition plunge, you'll need a new set. High-definition sets have dropped significantly in price the last few years. While you can still spend several thousand for a fancy model to hang on the wall or stretch across your living room, the good news is you can also buy a high-definition set for under $500 today. Head into any electronics retailer that sells TVs and you should be able to find one. You may want to check a consumer guide in advance for specific details on makes and models.

Once you've got the set, you'll either need to sign up for high-definition programming from your cable provider or satellite operator. But if you don't have cable, you can still get high-definition signals and digital TV. You simply need an antenna appropriate for your location to receive your local programming free over the air on your new high-definition set.

Also, remember that if you don't want to invest in a high-definition TV, your set won't go dark on Feb. 18, 2009. You can essentially turn your analog TV of today into a TV that receives digital signals simply with a converter box. You might even be eligible to receive a government subsidy towards the purchase of one. You can also buy a converter box from most electronics stores like Circuit City, Best Buy, Radio Shack or a locally-owned dealer.

When you go to the store, simply tell the salesperson that you need a high-definition receiver to get digital signals.

By the end of 2007 more than 47 million households in the United States will have high-definition TV sets, up from 35 million at the end of 2006. Also, by the end of 2007, only 16 million of those 47 million homes will have hooked up their high-definition sets to high-defitnion programming, according to Jupiter Research. Many consumers don't realize they must sign up for HD programming from their cable or satellite operator, or use rabbit ears to receive the programming free via their local broadcaster.

So if you do buy that new set, don't forget to get the programming too!