I subscribe to cable TV, but I do not have a digital television, nor do I have a TV with a digital tuner. How will I be affected by the Digital TV transition?
2007-12-31 02:51:47 · 6 answers · asked by anonymous 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
Will I get more channels than before?
2007-12-31 03:30:21 · update #1
Cable television subscribers, even those with analog TV sets, will continue to receive all subscribed channels as before. Cable operators are required to convert incoming over-the-air digital channels to display to their analog subscribers, even after 2/17/09.
Many cable operators are in the process of converting their headends and outside plant to carry only digital signals. From a transmission standpoint, that makes a lot of sense as it allows overcomes much of the outside plant noise issues that cause snow in pictures. But for subscribers with analog TV sets, not to worry; the conversion back to analog will occur inside the set-top converter. You'll still be able to connect the "To TV" analog RF output of the converter to the "ANT" input of the analog TV (although the preferred way is to use S-Video or even RCA video/audio jumpers for better picture quality).
Will you receive additional channels because of the digital conversion? Generally, the answer is yes, but it may come at an increased price. As broadcasters switch to digital over-the-air transmissions, they have the option of adding additional channels of programming content that are different from the 'main channel.' Many cable operators are providing (or will provide) these secondary channels, but it's up to the local cable operator to assess whether to charge for the additional channels. In some cases, local broadcast signal carriage agreements (must-carry agreements) will cover whether additional DTV channels below the main channel are carried.
I've included some web links to help you do additional research.
By the way, today (1/1/08) marks the first day anyone can apply for up to two $40 coupons to offset the estimated $60-$80 cost of set-top converters for over-the-air antenna users. Follow the links below for more information.
Happy New Years,
Jonathan L. Kramer, Esq.
Kramer Telecom Law Firm, PC
Los Angeles, CA
(30 years in cable television technology and engineering)
2008-01-01 05:37:56 · answer #1 · answered by Jonathan Kramer 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should be OK for basic cable at least through 2012. After that, you will probably need a box from your cable company to convert the DTV to analog if you still want to keep using your old analog TV.
2007-12-31 06:18:12 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Pennybags 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You can keep your existing connection with or without cable box until February 2012. After February 2012 in the the US you will need a cable box or other hardware as the cable company can begin to phase out analog channels (which you can tune without a box).
2007-12-31 06:01:50 · answer #3 · answered by Broadcast Engineer 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Analog TVs will no longer receive an over the air analog signal come Feb. 19, 2009, per federal mandate. (Approx 10% still have analog TVs). However those who prefer to keep using existing TV rabbit ears/antenna, a digital - analog converter box will be required and will be made available for purchase. Prices are to run from $50-$75. Starting Jan 1 2008 coupons are to made available at 2 per household for a $40 rebate.
2007-12-31 04:26:37 · answer #4 · answered by mike1084 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
As more channels record in hidef, more shows will be in widescreen on cable, giving you a smaller picture on a standard television.
Cable will likely send out analog cable for 5 years, so you can keep your old tvs.
2007-12-31 03:08:11 · answer #5 · answered by C J 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
It won't. It will only effect those who receive signal through the air with an antenna.
2007-12-31 02:58:38 · answer #6 · answered by OLLIE 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋