I really need to know this....PLEASE!!! I don't want to waste a lot of money on a "digital" tv!
2007-09-25 16:16:47 · 11 answers · asked by Kenneth 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
(You should really include what country you are in when you ask questions like this. The answers are slightly different depending on where you are!)
No it isn't true. You don't need to buy a digital TV.
What is true is that the TV systems in the US (and lots of other countries) are switching from the old analog signals to newer all digital signals. In the US, almost all analog broadcasts will end on 2/17/2009. Cable companies are required to maintain analog service until at least 2012.
But, there are converter boxes that allow all the old TV's to receive all the new digital over the air broadcasts. You can also buy DVD recorders and DVR's that include a digital tuner that will do the conversion.
Starting in Jan 2008 the US government is going to start giving out $40 off coupons for people to buy converter boxes. The estimated cost in 2008 is $20 (after coupon).
Old type OTA TV signals = NTSC = "Analog TV"
New type OTA TV signals = ATSC = "Digital TV" = DTV
Digital signals used on some cable systems = QAM
OTA = "Over the Air" = stuff you get through your TV antenna
2007-09-25 16:59:44 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Simple answer - "No."
The old analogue broadcast signal is gradually being switched off, region by region. After that, only digital TV broadcasts will be available, but the changeover will take about 3 years to complete.
HOWEVER, an ordinary television set will still work after the changeover, if you have a Freeview (digital) box connected to your existing set.
These cost from about £20 in a supermarket and will last for about 12 years, when the Government plans to switch off the standard definition signal, and switch over to HD.
You do not need to change your TV, just buy a Freeview box.
2007-09-25 19:57:11 · answer #2 · answered by Nightworks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's true. All of the tv's with an analog signal will need a converter box, kind of like the digital cable box you can get from your cable company, to get a tv signal. Also things like the little hand held tvs or portable tv's won't get a signal anymore and those little radios that have the TV band in them won't work either. Hard to believe but it's really true.
2007-09-25 16:31:17 · answer #3 · answered by S J 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actual that is any incorrect way around. that's the marketplace that asked the government to assist it out by utilising regulating the printed technologies. With the pass to digital television, lot of on the spot bandwidth has been freed up which would be utilized by utilising the different service carriers like cellular telephones, wireless, cellular internet etc. Do observe that for one channel that we've in analog television, that is cut up into 4 channels of decrease decision digital television. Now this decrease decision remains plenty bigger and extra useful than the analog television. Else, the station can decide to transmit finished HD television that's 1080P. you will additionally get a convertor container for approximately 40 greenbacks to attach on your usual non-digital television. Nope, i'm no longer partial to this government in any respect and nor do I paintings for any suitable business corporation or marketplace. I only like technologies and use it for my perfect. stable success and take care. desire you will delight in the digital television. in case you want to do your self a want, only watch a HD channel or action picture on a 40 six or fifty two inch television and you will see why human beings like it!
2016-10-20 00:07:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TV stations are going to stop broadcasting analog signals on Feb 17, 2009.
I seriously doubt if you can even buy an analog TV anymore; everything new is already digital.
2007-09-25 16:23:14 · answer #5 · answered by heebus_jeebus 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In England the NorthWest goes digital next month.
The rest of England will follow in a few years time.
2007-09-25 16:20:59 · answer #6 · answered by tattie_herbert 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's gonna be compulsory as i think from where we get our TV signal is being updated after along time ,to make things better.
And if you buy new Set's without the digital marking's there's a good chance it won't work!
2007-09-25 16:58:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
NO , your old tv will work with set top box, about £35
2007-09-26 06:59:20 · answer #8 · answered by lloydycj 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's some more information here which you might find useful:
http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/
It tells you the pros and cons of using a set top box converter or buying a new set.
You can also only use the converter with your analogue TV if it has scart lead connections.
2007-09-25 16:30:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
you have no choice, as all " regular " signials will be switched off by 2012. Therefore you will need a digitial device.
The digitial is a better reception for getting a better picture.
check out www.freeview.co.uk
wg
2007-09-25 20:30:38 · answer #10 · answered by wondergeezer 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋