2007-12-29 02:38:35 · 3 answers · asked by sparkle 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
Right now, most over-the-air broadcast TV is in analog format. However, the federal government has decreed that all over-the-air broadcasts must be in digital format by Feb. 2009. The digital format is more "efficient" because broadcasters can send more channels using less of the broadcast band, which frees up more of the band for things like cell phones and emergency response radios.
The bottom line is, if you have your TV hooked up to cable or satellite dish right now, you're OK, but if you have it hooked up to an antenna, you'll need to either buy a new TV or buy a converter box. They'll start passing out coupons for converters in 2008, so watch for that if you need one.
2007-12-29 02:44:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over the next three years, the old analogue TV signal that provides BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will be switched off.
If you already have Sky or Cable (with a set top box) you will not be affected, apart from not being able to watch the above channels while recording from the set top box.
If you don't have Sky or cable, you will need a Freeview box that plugs in between the aerial and TV to allow you to receive over 30 TV and radio channels that are already being transmitted digitally. You will need a box for each TV in the household, and they cost between £20 and £30. No other subscription is necessary.
Even if you have Sky or Cable, many programmes on Freeview are different from those being broadcast there, giving a wider choice.
2007-12-29 02:52:07 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHEN DIGITAL PROGRAMING TAKES OVER WHAT IS THE COST OF THE CONVERSION BOX IN CANADA GOING TO COST AVOIDING HAVING TO PURCHASE A NEW TV?.
2008-01-02 00:46:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋