2007-11-01 17:39:22 · 6 answers · asked by swashbuckler 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
(This answer assumes you are in the US)
You can keep using your old TV, but you may have to make some changes.
If you get TV programing over the air (OTA) you will need to get a converter box. Starting in Jan 2008 the government will have a coupon program that will let you buy a couple of them for about $20 each. Most analog broadcasts will end on 2/17/09.
Digital broadcasts use the same antennas as the old analog ones. If you get good analog UHF reception (ch 14-69), you should be able to use your current antenna.
Cable and satellite companies will still supply the old type analog signals to customers, but some cable customers who now connect their TV directly to the cable outlet will have to use a cable box. If your satellite receiver includes an over the air tuner for local channels, you would either need a new satellite receiver or one of the $20 converters to keep getting them.
2007-11-02 04:00:19 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. After January 1,2008 you can buy a converter box at Best Buy for about $60 that'll recieve the digital signals (It'll work kind of like a cable box). If you can't afford a digital converter box, the US government will give a maximum of 2 $40 coupons per household to cover part of the cost of 2 boxes. The hotline to request the coupons is 1-800-DTV-2009. You can call it after January 1st. Also, you can subscribe to cable or satellite & they'll still work after February 17, 2009. For more info, log onto www.dtv.gov
2007-11-02 03:52:25 · answer #2 · answered by hippyman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The FCC has mandated that all broadcasters use the new digital formats by 2009. The older tv's that do not have an ATSC tuner in them will require a set top box that is available at most electronics stores. Your atenna will attach to this box (similar to a cable or satelite box) then attach from the box to your television. This box will re-format the signal back to your old format so that the tv can use it.
2007-11-01 19:20:44 · answer #3 · answered by TVFixitMan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To recieve digital TV you will need to connect a freeview box, Sky, Virgin Media to the TV, cable or a convertor.
2007-11-01 22:22:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope you need digital receiver. But you still can use your old TV as display unit.
2007-11-01 18:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by YKW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you get the Converter box for it....
2007-11-01 19:30:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋