Can only HDTVs support a digital signal?

Question

I know that by law in 2009 all stations have to broadcast in a digital signal and i know about the converter boxes, but does that mean you must have an HDTV? Are there standard tube televisions that support digital signals or no? I just need some general information on the whole subject.

Answer 1

No, in 2009 you DON'T need to have an HDTV.

The converter box will take a digital broadcast and will output in standard def. Most boxes will have two outputs; either RF (coax) like a VCR or composite video(yellow). So, your TV will work just fine.

Check the FCC web site:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html

Answer 2

TV Guy's got it right. I work in sales for a major cable company and the most common myth I hear about digital cable is that you can't get it unless you have a newer television. In fact you could receive digital cable even if you have a 1960's black & white (although the picture wouldn't look as good of course). Since the external digital cable box receives the signal in digital and converts it to a regular analog channel 3 output, you can connect the box to any old television. The vast majority of digital channels are still being broadcast in standard definition so you do not need an HDTV until they stop broadcasting SD digital altogether (which will not be happening anytime soon).

Answer 3

The CHEAPEST TV sets are called SDTV.
These recieve the Digital signal with a Digital Tuner so they work just like an HDTV does....

They just provide a "low definition" picture instead of a "High definition" picture.

They are presently being sold in Walmart stores.

Answer 4

Basically Yes... There's pretty much no way of getting around having an HDTV to recieve the digital signal. Yes the converter boxes work, but, only for HDTV's... Its stupid I know and if the law says that they have to, then they should make a law saying that stores should lower their prices on HDTV's

Answer 5

Well VGA is analog only so I'm guessing no.