2007-10-12 09:39:22 · 1 answers · asked by Andi 4 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
The US is changing its television broadcasts from a 60 year old analog system to a new all digital system. On Feb 17, 2009 (almost) all the old analog channels will be shut off.
After that date, older TVs will have to use a converter box or a recorder with a built in digital tuner to receive over the air (OTA) broadcasts.
Starting in Jan 2008 the US government is starting a coupon program that will allow people to buy a couple of converters for about $20 each (after using the coupon).
A converter hooks up between an antenna and the TV similar to the way a VCR would.
Most of the TV's now being sold already have a digital tuner built in to them.
List of terms:
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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
2007-10-12 11:04:10 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋