hdtv.........some new thing.......?

Question

My mom recently hear something about the HDTV like if you dont have it then you wont be able to watch tv or it wont come in very good starting around the first of december or the first of janurary. I dont know much about it and i have not had much success in looking up is there anyone who had any clue as to what they are talking about or is this just a myth or rumor that started up. They're also talking about some kind of HDTV converter so that you can be able to watch it. And these converters are being sold at BEST BUY.

thats all i know for now add more as soon as i know.

tnx

Answer 1

The thing about no HD no TV is crap, though are you sure your not confusing it with the digital switchover? In that case the analogue cease varies over the country.

The converter you mention could be simply a freeview box? In that case it is more of a decoder of the digital signal.

Anything else just give me a shout

Answer 2

(This answer assumes you are located in the US)

>My mom recently hear something about the HDTV like if you dont have it then you wont be able to watch tv or it wont come in very good starting around.....

None of that is true. And no one has to buy a new TV.

The US is going through a transition to an all digital TV broadcast system. After the transition, older TVs will need to have an external converter to keep receiving broadcasts.

For over the air (OTA) TV, the government is going to start a coupon program in Jan 2008 so you can buy a couple of converter boxes for about $20 each. You would need it before 2/17/2009 when analog TV broadcasts will stop.

Best Buy is supposed to carry these converters but the last report was that they will delay making them available. Other places will carry them. Look for ads in Jan 2008.

Cable companies are required to keep supplying analog signals until at least 2012. Most cable companies will do this by supplying their own converter boxes.

Satellite signals are already digital; there is a converter built into the satellite receiver.

The first answer you got that refers to a "freeview box" assumes you are in the UK. That's what they call a similar converter in the UK.