http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21344084/
Does that mean my other tv's wont be of any use anymore????
If thats the case, then i guess i better get a new tv. :P
2007-10-17 11:27:44 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
>Does that mean my other tv's wont be of any use anymore????
No it doesn't.
If you get your TV through cable or satellite, those companies will supply suitable signals for your old TV.
If you get your TV over the air (OTA), you will need a converter box after 2/17/2009. These hook up between your antenna and TV similar to the way a VCR would.
In Jan 2008 the US government will start a coupon program that will let people buy a couple of these converters for about $20 each.
The new digital OTA channels are free, just like the current analog ones. I have no idea where the second guy to answer this question got the idea that there would be a monthly fee.
If you get good UHF (analog channels 14-69) reception now, you shouldn't need a new antenna. If your UHF reception is marginal, you might need a new antenna.
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Old type OTA TV signals = NTSC = "Analog TV"
New type OTA TV signals = ATSC = "Digital TV" = DTV
Digital signals used on some cable systems = QAM
OTA = "Over the Air" = stuff you get through your TV antenna
2007-10-17 12:54:58 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
exactly, so the t.v. you have now you can no longer use starting feb. 18 2009 unless you purchase the box. It's really going to be better off for you to purchase a new tv with a built in tuner. The price should be about 15 dollars or so a month per box when you could take that money towards a new tv. Sharps are really nice tv's ;)
2007-10-17 12:00:55 · answer #2 · answered by Greg M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct but we are all mislead .I live in a senior area , all buried cables, power lines etc. Many of the houses are like mine we have several Tv Sets, some which are blazing new, Plasma, LCD some are older may work per the experts(?) And others old but working on the cables lines with all the newer TVs. I have 3 different aged sets all which work off the cables in my house, only the plasma has a DEF channel box but the older 2 work from cable and one was on Rabbit ears years back. I have send E-mail wondering about this, if nothing else I will buy one or 2 of the wonderful 60$ new boxes and hope for the best. Wife has the answer----buy all new sets!!!! Jake R
2016-05-23 05:37:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a box to switch digital back to analog. U.S. government is suppose to subsidize the cost of these boxes by giving us about $20. Don't know if this is per TV or just for one TV. Net cost is suppose to be about $25 to switch. Most TV,s you buy today are already equipped for the change.
2007-10-17 11:39:33 · answer #4 · answered by William C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your old TV's will still work if you connect one of the following, freeview box, digital box or cable. No need to buy a new TV.
2007-10-17 23:41:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋