Apparently on February 9, 2009 all analog broadcast TV signals will go "dead" in the USA. You will need a digital tuner /decoder to get "over the air" broadcast TV; and cable and/or satellite TV
may require a digital HDTV decoder also.
However, not all TVs sold as HDTV have an onboard HD tuner. Even if you have a high-tech flatscreen you may need an external HD tv tuner. My guess is that many many people have
NO IDEA what is coming, and there could be a national backlash against the FCC, congress, and industry for "foisting"
this issue. What are your thoughts/ Are you ready? Is America?
2007-12-20 07:47:00 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
True, in 2009 the US will switch to having all broadcast TV signals being digital. And, it's true that you will need an outboard digital tuner to watch broadcast channels, HD or not, if you do not have a digital tuner in your TV.
But, the FCC has mandated that the cable TV companies provide an analog tier (usuall to channel 36) until 2012. Most cable companies already have a digital package that includes channels above 36, as well as an HD package. If you get more than 36 channels, you probably have the digital package. Either way, you will not be affected in any way in 2009.
The satellite signals are already digital. The digital-to-analog conversion occurs in the receiver. So, like with cable, satellite customers will not be affected in the least in 2009 and beyond.
2007-12-20 08:15:01 · answer #1 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think America will get ready. In 2008, they will start an ad blitz letting you know about the change, and also there will be gov't vouchers to subsidize much of the cost of buying digital tuner boxes if your TV doesn't have a built-in tuner.
Most people already get their TV from cable or satellite, and those people mostly already have boxes hooked into their TVs. Those existing boxes will do the job just fine.
In my case, I've got a 34" HD Ready TV, without the built-in HD tuner, but I get my service from my cable company and they provide the box. That will not change.
2007-12-20 11:00:00 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Pennybags 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a big deal because you can get a free converter box. That is if you can get a coupon because they are limited. There will probably also be a lot more tv sales.
Hmmm, I don't know if that converter box will work. The site says to contact your cable provider.
2007-12-20 07:53:01 · answer #3 · answered by Jeff 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dont think this will be as big of a deal as it sounds. People will make the adjustment and may be upset at first but because it's going to be standard we'll get over it quickly. Plus you cant go wrong with the quality.
2007-12-20 07:56:07 · answer #4 · answered by Logan Brown1280 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've got an HD tuner and a 42" plasma so It doesn't matter to me:)
2007-12-20 09:39:22 · answer #5 · answered by CageKennelz24 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋