Is my husband nuts?

Question

My husband has said that the tv we purchased in 1997 will not be able recieve a signal and not work in Feb . of 08 because all signals are going to be digital? We have direct tv if that matters.

Answer 1

He isn't nuts but he may be over-reacting a little bit.

According to the FCC's website, broadcast stations will switch from broadcasting analog signals to digital signals on February 17th, 2009. Below is an excerpt from the FCC website regarding buying digital-analog converter boxes:

After February 17, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing a digital-to-analog set-top converter box. Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service.

Answer 2

>Is my husband nuts?

I don't know; but someone is giving him bad information.

The satellite TV signals are already digital. Your receiver box has a digital-to-analog converter built into it to supply the old type analog signals to your TV.

If you want to use your old TV to receive over the air (OTA) broadcasts, you would need to add some sort of a digital-to-analog converter box* before 2/17/2009. That's the last day that most non-digital TV channels will be on the air.

If you get your local channels through an antenna, you may have to get an updated DirectTv receiver that includes an OTA digital converter* or a separate converter box. (See first link below)

The Feb 08 date is probably a mishmash of two dates. The OTA analog TV signals end in 2/09, and in Jan 2008 the government will have a coupon program so people who get their TV through an antenna can buy converter boxes for about $20 each.

* The digital-to-analog converter for satellite TV is different than one for OTA broadcasts

Answer 3

You will recieve the digital signal to your old TV if you connect any of the following to it, cable, freewview box or digital box. Without these the TV will not work.

Answer 4

He is wrong. Although all channels will be going from analog to digital on in 2009 it will not effect you if you have Satellite or Cable. Only if you use an over the air antenna will you have to purchase a converter.

nice try for a new TV though.... :)

weeder

Answer 5

He is not crazy. But I don't believe he is correct if you have DirecTV. If the TV is hooked up to a DirecTV box, you are in the clear. It is just if you are trying to get a signal over the air (aka with an antenna). If it's hooked up to a box, you will still be fine.

Answer 6

You did no longer specify the size of his nuts till now you hit him. If he has a sack of grapefruits down there interior the 1st place then it relatively is not something to stress approximately. If he became into carrying a pair of marbles then he could could desire to flow see the rfile... Tel him that New Years would be on the Y and notice what he says....

Answer 7

I've heard this also, however, Costco sells some kind of device that allows older TV's to pick up the HD programming.

Answer 8

I think you should get a new tv anyways. The flat screen or LCD's are awesome. I think your husband is trying to tell you he wants a new TV. Come on go for it!!

Answer 9

call direct tv & see if that will effect you

Answer 10

No, I think he is right.