Digital Transition in 90 Days

[Momma Bear]

[Only registered users can see links. ] The Digital Transition is mere months away and still, many have questions and misconceptions about the February 17, 2009 switch. It can be confusing but your family is relying on you to get it right. Follow the link for some frequently asked questions and answers.


Who needs a digital converter box?
Anyone that uses an antenna to watch TV will need a converter box.


I’m on analog cable, will I need a digital converter box?
The simple answer is no. However, cable systems like Comcast are [Only registered users can see links. ], but that is their doing and no matter what a cable representative might say, the two are not related. If Comcast makes you get a box, and charges you extra, it’s not because of the FCC mandate.


I’m on satellite, will I need a digital converter box?
Maybe. If you still receive your local stations with an antenna, you will need a box but it might be worth your money to simply upgrade your service to receive those channels over satellite.


Where do I get one of these digital converter boxes?
Any local Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and, if you still have one, Circuit City will sell a model around $59. Dish Network has a great option for $40.
What about this coupon program?
The government decided to help out the consumer and is [Only registered users can see links. ] to defray the cost.


Do I need a high definition TV?
No, the digital converter boxes translate the digital signal into analog for any TV to decipher.


Do I need a new antenna?
Hopefully not, but digital signals can be finicky. Analog signals can produce a picture even if the signal is weak, and while it might be poor quality, it will still show up on the TV. With digital however, the picture will not appear unless the signal is strong. Instead of snow, you might get lots of little boxes that will pop in and out while the digital converter box tries to grab the station.


What about emergency TVs?
The battery backup TV is something that most homes should have but these models will be effected by the switch too, so they will need a converter box as well. There has been at least [Only registered users can see links. ], but with the switch looming, more options are sure to become available.


What does the consumer get out of this switch?
Two things. One, better picture and sound from your antenna. These digital over the air (OTA) signals will come in crystal clear and in most cases, better than cable. The sound will be better too, Plus, some digital converter boxes offer on-screen guides just like a digital cable box. Digital OTA is a great way to watch TV, but that’s not all American consumers gains out of this switch.


The US Government auctioned off the airwaves analog TV rode on to the tune of $20 billion dollars which hopefully, but probably not, equates to slightly lower taxes.

[Only registered users can see links. ]

Let's also not forget how many HD channels Comcast (who I hate) will be able to gain. They have been the main pushers in this whole thing. They erected a building taller than City Hall (originally no building could surpass Ben Franklin who is at the top of our city hall) but those assholes got away with that too.

[QueenB]

Cant comment on the US situation but, same kind of thing is going on in the UK and scaring a lot of people along the way, older people mostly that dont understand what digital tv is and only know that its going to cost them to buy the equipment they need to watch Countdown on Channel 4 every day .

You have "emergency tv's" in the US? what the hell is that about? Is there such a thing as a tv emergency or is it something to do with nuclear bunkers and the like?

[Momma Bear]

The emergency tv's are for disaster's and such. Like when my 360 got the RROD