I heard this on a commericial. Is the satellite going to be upgraded or changed?
2007-12-28 09:39:09 · 12 answers · asked by fabolousgirl_126 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
(This answer assumes that you are located in the US)
TVs do not have to be digital by 2009 or any other year for that matter.
What is happening is that almost all over the air TV broadcasts will be digital after 2/17/09.
However, digital TV signals can be cheaply converted to the older analog ones so that older TVs can still be used.
In the case of over the air broadcasts, you need a converter box between your TV antenna and your TV. This will set you back about $20 (after using a government coupon).
There are a lot of satellites that send out TV signals. Nearly all of them are already digital. Satellite receivers have digital- to-analog converters built in.
This change has been in the works for more than 10 years. The old analog system was based on 1930's technology; the new digital system based on 1990s technology allows for TVs to be built that can display a higher picture quality than the old system.
2007-12-28 10:28:59 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They don't.
What is happening is that regular analog over the air TV broadcasts will stop on Feb 17, 2009. That part of the airwaves will be handed back over to the FCC to auction off for other purposes.
If you get your TV through cable or satellite, you can continue using your regular analog TV just as before.
If you actually are one of the rare people that watch free over the air analog TV, you can buy a converter box that will convert the new digital signals back to analog. The gov't will subsidize those so they should be $40 or less.
Or you can purchase a newer HDTV with a built-in tuner.
Check out more info at the link below.
2007-12-28 17:44:23 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Pennybags 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is to coincide with all TV's being made having to be HD ready. When it goes in to effect over the air analog signals won't be broadcast, so if you don't have a newer TV with a digital tuner you won't be able to get them. If you have cable or satellite, you have nothing to worry about, this just effects over the air channels (bunny ears).
2007-12-28 17:44:36 · answer #3 · answered by Larry B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's ONLY for people who use the old antennas to get their local TV stations
If you have Cable or Satellite, then you don't need HDTV until 2012....
2007-12-28 20:40:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why: we are running out of frequencies.
Do you like your cell phone? Wireless internet? Etc.?
There is no room for new companies to offer cell service. All the frequencies are used up. There is no room for new TV channels with an antenna. All the frequencies are used up.
Going to digital television gives the ability to send over the air 6 channels where only 1 used to exist. This should hopefully give us more cell phone companies and channels to watch.
2007-12-28 19:38:41 · answer #5 · answered by Grumpy Mac 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I believe sat is already digital. it should only affect any one without cable or sat. ie - you will not be able to get anything with just an antenna anymore.
2007-12-28 17:43:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not all of a sudden. This was mandated a few years ago.
2007-12-28 17:42:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Keeping up with technology.
2007-12-28 17:43:21 · answer #8 · answered by Maalru3 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they decided this about 10 years ago
2007-12-28 17:46:32 · answer #9 · answered by jon_mac_usa_007 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its all just another way for big industry to get together and make us as working americans spend more money on something we really dont need.....
2007-12-28 17:46:53 · answer #10 · answered by happy2beme60 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋