DTV Transition?

Question

I am so baffled by the DTV transition that is suppose to be happening in February 09 can someone actually explain in English what this means? Am I going to have to buy a new tv to support this transition even though I have cable? Any answers that are clear would be helpful thanks

Answer 1

Short answer - you likely won't need a new TV if you have a cable converter box.

Longer anwer:
DTV = Digital TV. Existing TV is Analog.

The main benefit and reason for things going to DTV over Analog is simply that more channels can be fit in the same space (called bandwidth).

If you have cable with a converter box you likely will NOT need to upgrade your TV because the converter is sending analog to your TV already.

If you actually want to be able to view High Definiton (HD) as High Definiton you will need an HD (Digital) TV. Your old analog TV simply can't display all the data provided by an HD signal. In this case however you also need to insure your Cable converter box will provide HD signal. (That is is if your converter only converts to analog then it doesn't matter what kind of TV you have - you'll only be able to see analog .)

By the way - there will be available DTV to Analog converter boxes for over the air so you don't even need to have cable service. The government is supposed to be providing vouchers for the purchase of those or to help defray cost of new TV (based on income I believe) but I'm not sure of the details for that program.

Answer 2

(This answer assumes that you are located in the the US)

No you don't have to buy a new TV. No one has to buy a new TV because of this transition.

Even if you received your TV for free with an antenna, you would probably just need to spend about $20 for a converter box to go between your antenna and your TV.

Converting the new digital signals to analog ones that the older TVs can understand is not that costly.

The Feb 17, 2009 date only applies to over the air broadcasts.

Cable companies are required to keep supplying analog TV service until at least 2012. If you now have your cable set up so your TV is connected directly to the cable jack, it's likely that your cable company will require you to change to using one of their cable boxes at some point.

I've answered a lot of questions about DTV; if you click on my icon you can find a list of my answers.

Answer 3

Supposedly the full conversion takes place in 2009. They will sell converters and digital boxes that will allow you to receive the new signal on your old TV. This will ensure that the companies selling the high priced LCD and plasma HD TV's do not take advantage of the situation and price gouge the consumers.

Don't worry, your local cable company, the digital sattelite companies and even stores like radio shack will sell the converters and you will be ok.

Answer 4

usually, the US government. The cable businesses are required to help with the charges and supply the airtime to teach the categorised classified ads, yet over all, the government is the single that suggested the change had to be made, so as that they are paying a number of the bill. they are additionally those giving out the coupons for $40 off a sparkling container in case you purchase your man or woman.