Digital converter boxes for TV

[RecycleMichael]

This story on KTUL...

http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0108/484535.html

Digital Television Deadline Looming  

This week, many have been huddled around the television, watching their favorite teams. But, one thing you might not know is the deadline to go digitial is looming.  
         

If you watch TV with an antenna, this affects you. On February 18, 2009, analog TV signals will go dark. You may have heard Congress ordered a transition to digital broadcasting to de-clutter the airwaves. Starting New Year's Day, the government began making coupons available for digital converter boxes. They aren't in stores yet, but you'll soon start seeing ads for them. The boxes are intended to keep your TV set working through the industry-wide conversion.

But, what are the boxes and how do you know if you'll actually need one? "With the deadline, are they going to have to replace their current TV or what are they going to have to do, we get the question everyday," says Thomas Clegg of Ultimate Electronics. Clegg explains the change to new customers, basking in the glow of all the choices. "All HD is digital, but not all digital is HDTV."

A high-definition TV gives you a better digital picture. But, you don't need to go high-def to go digital. In fact, most newer televisions have a digital tuner built in to carry you through the 2009 conversion. "If the TV is less than three years old, there's a very good possibility is has a TV tuner in it," Clegg says. "Anything older than that, you're going to need to check with the manufacturer."

And, if you have an older tv and rely on rabbit ears to watch it, you'll need a digital converter box, expected to cost between 50 and 70 dollars. "Their fear is 'Oh, God in 2009, my TV's not gonna work. Well that just not true."

Most TVs will work next year, as long as you have a plan. "We need to be educated and we haven't found a lot out there," says Kim McCurry. It's important to note that most cable or satellite customers won't have to worry. The digital signal is already converted for you. But, those in rural areas without cable or with just HD-Ready sets, will need that converter box. You can start signing up for those government coupons for the converter boxes now. You can get up to two per household, worth 40 dollars each. To sign up, log on to https://www.dtv2009.com.

[Wilbur]

quote: If you watch TV with an antenna, this affects you. On February 18, 2009, analog TV signals will go dark.

This should have said 'if you watch an analog tv with an antenna...'.  I have a digital HDTV which does just fine with an antenna that will be perfectly fine when they make the switch over.

And honestly, are there that many tvs left out there that are still analog that won't work starting next February?  Come on folks!  Buy a new tv alreay.  You don't know what you are missing!

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by Wilbur

quote: If you watch TV with an antenna, this affects you. On February 18, 2009, analog TV signals will go dark.

This should have said 'if you watch an analog tv with an antenna...'.  I have a digital HDTV which does just fine with an antenna that will be perfectly fine when they make the switch over.

And honestly, are there that many tvs left out there that are still analog that won't work starting next February?  Come on folks!  Buy a new tv alreay.  You don't know what you are missing!

Only 50% of households have 1 or more HDTV sets. Manufacturers were supposed to pull sdtv markets off the shelves a long time ago and didn't, sticking it to the everyday customer.