digital TV converter

[Mike.357]

On another thread we discussed the upcoming switch to an all digital format.

I found a link that may be of interest.

http://www.dtvtransition.org/

From what I read unless you have a really old TV you will not be affected.

[Guest EasilyObsessed]

And here is the site to get a coupon towards the purchase of a converter box.

https://www.dtv2009.gov/

If you get your tv through the air, and you are not receiving a digital signal (most of which is HDTV), then this will affect you. The majority of TV's that are not HDTVs will be affected (or at least the ones not hooked up to a paid cable service).

[jgrauman]

the only tvs that will be affected are those without a digital converter. if your tv has the ability to have a digital cable box hooked up, most do, then you are fine, if you have a new tv with a built in converter (FCC required) then you are fine. this entire conversion seems to be intentionally confusing just to get the american public to go upgrade their sets. my grandfather, who doesn't understand any of it, as most senior citizens probably don't, is freaking out that he needs to go buy a new tv. unless you have bunny ears on your set, you are fine. it's not until feb 17, 09 anyway, so no worries

[strickj]

something tells me that some cable lobbyist putting $ in there hands had something to do with the mandatory change.but atleast you can still get HD free over the air

[Guest abailey362]

It's not about money from cable lobbyists, it's the money from the sale of the analog air space. Some will be used by government for whatever they want to do with it, most will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Cell companies and google are two front runners.

Think if a cell tower could reach as far as your local news station. Less money on equipment and virtually everyone in the US covered by service means big profit.

Google has proposed buying the airspace and giving free, or very inexpensive, interent service open to the public. They will make mad money from advertisers.

Digital signal carries much more information, but takes up much less space than the analog signals.

As stated above, those affected are ones who receive an off-air signal and don't have a digital tuner, whether it be SD or HD.

I've heard rumors that cable companies will use the hype around this to stop offering basic (cable from the wall) service and switch to all digital (you have to rent their box and they have better control). Some cable companies in some markets have already made it mandatory to have a box if you want service.