In 2009 when analog tv signal is stopped. Will you be able to buy converter of high definition signal so old tv sets can still work. Watch very little tv so not in hurry to get new set. Will picture quality be similar to currant picture received.
2007-10-30 04:21:31 · 4 answers · asked by Mister2-15-2 7 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
If you can still use your old television, then why was law passed? Normal attriction would have worked.
2007-10-30 06:30:25 · update #1
In Jan 2008, each household can apply for two coupons worth $40 each off of two converters which will cost around $60 each. You connect your antenna to the converter and the converter to your TV. You tune using the converter. Reception may be better than present depending on how good a signal ypou have now. You may have to upgrade your antenna if you are in a fringe area.
Update
Right now, broadcasters use both the VHF and UHF bands. When they shut down analog broadcasting, virtually all of the VHF band will be unused and sold or sold by the government for a variety of uses. The law gives the broadcasters the impetus for adding digital capability by creating an immediate demand for digital.
2007-10-30 04:38:36 · answer #1 · answered by jjki_11738 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can buy a converter that will tune in all of the digital over the air channels.
In Jan 2008 the US government will start a coupon program so you can buy one for about $20 (after coupon).
The picture quality should be about what you get from a DVD player.
If you get good UHF (analog ch 14-69) reception now, you should be able to use your old TV antenna.
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>If you can still use your old television, then why was law passed? Normal attriction would have worked.
1. Keeping the analog broadcasts means running twice as many transmitters. This costs money.
2. Digital broadcasts require fewer frequencies. After shutting down the analog broadcasts, the government will use/sell what is now ch 52-69 for other wireless services.
3. In some parts of the country, there are not enough frequencies available to run both analog & digital signals at full power.
As for attrition, there are quite a few 20 year old sets still in use. How long does one wait?
2007-10-30 05:13:00 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The official cutoff date is Feb 2009 depending on where you live it still could take a few months. The converter box is available at a cost of about $50 however there is a rebate program which will give you $40 back. Your picture wil improve but it won't be hd
2007-10-30 17:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The law was passed to save frequency bandwidth to be used for public safety.
weeder
2007-10-30 06:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by weeder 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋