Alright, a guy in my office told me that by 2008 all cable television will be broadcast in HD. He said that we will not even be able to watch tv on our current sets without an adaptor. Is this true? Do you know anywhere that I can get more info on this. Thanks!
2006-12-08 05:36:08 · 7 answers · asked by lablover 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
The HD conversion is set for 2009. The conversion is mandated by the FCC for OTA (Over the Air) stations in the USA. The reason for this is to free up bandwidth, as HD (digital) signals use less bandwidth than the analog signals most of us get now. This will allow the old analog bandwidth to be allocated to other uses (cellphones, data services, etc)
Cable stations do not have to convert, although some of them are adding HD programming. If you use a set top box for Cable or Satellite this will allow you to continue using your old TV. Infact right now to get HD channels now through Satellite or Cable you have to trade in your box for a new one! Right now most cable companies only offer about a dozen HD channels, Direct TV only offers a dozen and Dishnetwork offers the most with 25.
If you take your TV signal from an antenna (like I do) you will either need to upgrade to an HDTV (Cost is under $1000 for a good set right now) or get a set top box that will allow your currect SD TV (Standard Definition) to get the digital (HD) signals. These boxes cost between $200 and $300 right now.
One neat feature of this conversion will be multiple feeds from one channel. If you have an HDTV (or convertor box) and use a convertor box, you will see the HD channel for example NBC along with 3-4 other feeds that they can put other programming on.
In short, nothing to worry about in the next 5 years or so. Only upgrade if you want the better picture.
2006-12-08 06:35:18 · answer #1 · answered by chuckreis 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is true. And in 2009 actually all TV, regardless of cable or your antenna, is going to a digital signal (or the signal that broadcasts HD).
The reason behind this is that the government had mandated it. You see, the analog signals we have now (and have been using for 50 years) can be tampered with, cause interference in other transmissions, and generally dont do a lot for the consumer.
Digital signals however are great. Weather does not affect them as easily (if you have digital satellite, as I have found out, an ice-storm wont even break your signal).Also, they are harder to intercept and do not break up as easily in transmission.
Go to the FCC's website for more info on why the switch.
This is actually a positive thing all around though: you can now purchase a digital Plasma or LCD screen and in 2009, you will be up-to-date and able to get the signal. Also, there are a variety of channels (right now just networks, movie channels that you subscribe to, and a few others), and through 2007 more and more content will be broadcast in digital HD.
In fact, I believe it was Denmark that has already gone totally digital as of yesterday.
So fear not! Want a new Plasma TV but the wife won't let you? Tell her: "Honey, the government says we need one by 2009, and I want to be ready!"
Hehe, happy hi-def viewing.
2006-12-08 07:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by scryer_360 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No this only partially true. Although HD is a current mandate for broadcast by 2008. So is backward compatability with existing sets. Even though the majority of all sets sold will be HD by then the government will not force all existing set owners to go out and buy new TVs.
2006-12-08 05:41:23 · answer #3 · answered by aiguyaiguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Now the FCC must figure out a time frame to mandate that over-the-air broadcasts must be turned off, clearing the way to auction the spectrum. The latest proposal is to have 85 percent of households using digital television by Jan. 1, 2009. The previous deadline was January 2007, but that has been determined to be too early.
"2007 was unrealistic--2009 seems more realistic, given the current momentum, and (the industry is) more than on track," said Jim Sanduski, vice president of visual products at Samsung Electronics."
(Site: see below)
2006-12-08 05:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by Clarkie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chuckres is the most correct of all the answers at this time. Though he did omit one condition. Those people with Satellite service will have to upgrade there receivers to Mpeg4 from Mpeg2. This will be required by both major players and cost the consumer minimal if anything. As the HD receivers are Mpeg4 and all sat signals are being converted to that standard. There will continue to be standard TV channels on cable and Satellite for many years as they are restricted by the FCC/OTA HD standards. so you old SD TV will be functional for may years to come, however you selection of channels to watch will diminish every year.
2006-12-08 08:37:29 · answer #5 · answered by sharkbait 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By 2008, we are supposed to be all HD. Although the law does make it quite clear that those folks without HD capability, can still use their old tv.
2006-12-08 06:13:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-17 23:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋