My TV's acting up. But I'd heard that "normal" TV stations will stop broadcasting soon (when?). Will converters be available? Should I buy a new regular TV, try to repair the old one long enough for digital TV prices to drop, or cough up the money now for an overpriced HDTV? (I don't use TV enough to justify cable or satellite).
2007-09-12 14:57:40 · 8 answers · asked by Tolstoyevsky 7 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
I would not worry about the analog cut off any time soon. The FCC has already pushed back the but off several times. The first date years ago was this year if I remember. I think the date right now is some time in 2009, but i am willing to bet it will be pushed back again. from what i have read, there should be be some type of digital/analog converter that will be available. just think about it, how many millions of people will still have analog tv's in 2-3 years? a whole lot of people!
2007-09-12 15:07:54 · answer #1 · answered by meekless2001 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
>But I'd heard that "normal" TV stations will stop broadcasting soon (when?).
The date is 2/17/2009 and despite what others have said, this date is unlikely to change. However, if your old TV is still working at that time, all you will need is a converter box to keep using it.
You can buy converter boxes now but most people will wait until 1/1/08. That's the date the government is going to start giving away $40 coupons that will let you buy them at about $20 each (after coupon).
If your TV is old or was cheap to begin with, it's probably not worth repairing. (If you were to add a comment with the brand/model/screen size you would get a lot clearer answer)
If the problem with your TV is in its tuner and the TV has video in jacks, then a converter box would "fix" its problem. An easy way to test this is to watch a DVD or hook a VCR up to the video in jacks and try using the VCR's tuner. If the problem goes away, then a converter box would do the same!
Except for some old stock that is still around, all the new TVs have digital tuners built in. If you go to a place like Walmart, you can find CRT type TVs for about the same price as the old analog TVs sold for. About $250 for a 27" screen.
A more frugal way to go is to find a used CRT TV in good condition and buy a digital converter box after the coupons come out. Used analog CRT TV's are cheap these days because of all the people who are replacing them with flat panel TVs.
Either setup will receive all the new digital channels, even the "HD"ones. The picture that you get will be about the same as you get from DVDs. This quality is not "HD" by definition, but it's plenty good for people like me.
Old type OTA TV signals = NTSC = "Analog TV"
New type OTA TV signals = ATSC = "Digital TV" = DTV
OTA = "Over the Air" = stuff you get through your TV antenna
2007-09-12 16:51:46 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Analog will be good forever. First, many people don't know that the same pending 2009 date to eliminate all analog channels was extended in 2006 and prior in 2003! Second, you can (even now) and will always be able to buy a digital converter box that can output the signal one of 4 to 5 ways currently (RF, Patch cables, s-video, 3 color component, and hdmi).
Digital prices have dropped considerably and now is the time to buy! Treat yourself, you deserve it (you'll get like 2 years same as cash) which will amount to a buying a starbucks coffee every day! Remember when buying, don't cheap out - specs are the only thing that matter. Buy 1080p.
Since most tv's have digital tuners now built in them, you should be able to receive (for free) over the air high definition in most areas (unless you live Kansas Dorthy).
2007-09-12 17:05:05 · answer #3 · answered by diskgeek 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
February 17 2009, converters will be available and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will be issue coupons worth $40 (2 per household) that can be used to purchase the converters. The Feds have allocated $990 million
for this.
See TV-Tech-man's reply about having your set repaired, that is sound advice.
Last year, I purchased a 52 inch Mitsubishi DLP HDTV for $1999 just before the 2006 models came out, about 4 months later Fry's Electronics (where I bought my set) closed those out at a cost of $999.
If you keep your eyes open you may be able to find a store that is also closing these out and a good price. If you are looking for DLP, Mitsubishi makes one of the best.
2007-09-12 16:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by justgetitright 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Midnight February 17, 2009....
Converters will be available...
New REGULAR TVs are no longer manufactured or sold...
Repair it if it's over 40 inches....get it estimated 1st.
Digital TV prices don't drop, TVs move thru various price ranges...you get more bang for the buck by waiting...That $2500 TV set will drop into the $2000 range, then the $1800 then the $1500 then the $900.....But the $1500 range is always there....
2007-09-12 15:15:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in 2009 all transmissions will be digital. but they will have converters. Sometimes repair of tv's is not a possibility as many places no longer do repairs. TV's are almost disposable. Go for more walks. buy a radio.?? if you dont have cable or satellite then it doesnt make much sense to have a tv.
2007-09-12 15:08:05 · answer #6 · answered by friendly advice from maine 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just buy a Set top box & keep going !
hope this helps
2007-09-12 22:18:46 · answer #7 · answered by Richard B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The date for when you can no longer use it keeps going up. Don't worry now, you've got a few years and then some.
2007-09-12 15:33:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋