Community Newsletter: Q&A: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009
- 5/16/08 3:56 PM
Check with your cable company!
by djalpert - 5/3/08 7:39 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have Comcast and this is what they say:
http://www.comcast.com/customers/faq/FaqDetails.ashx?Id=4610
<b>What do I need to do to prepare for the end of analog television broadcasting?</b>
If you are an existing Comcast customer, you don't need to worry - <b>Comcast has you covered. If your television is connected to cable, you will not have any impact and your TV will continue to work.</b>
If you are a Comcast customer but have some TVs in your house that use an antenna (rabbit ears), Comcast can connect those TVs to cable for you.
If you only use a rooftop antenna (rabbit ears) to get your TV signals, you will need to do one of the following:
Buy digital-to-analog converters to use with your current TV(s) and antenna
Buy a new digital TV (still requires an antenna)
Subscribe to Comcast or another pay television service provider. Comcast has service options starting as low as $15 per month with no equipment required.
Comcast
by STEVERI - 5/12/08 8:00 AM In reply to: Check with your cable company! by djalpertAbout 6 months ago I made the conversion to HDTV using Comcast. It involved buying a HDTV and paying Comcast and extra $8/mo for HD service and exchanging my digital cable box for a HD cable box from Comcast.
Digital input looks better on a 766x1366 HDTV, and HD looks even better. The amount of HD content is constantly inproving.
re: Comcast
by gmclam - 5/12/08 10:04 AM In reply to: Comcast by STEVERI> About 6 months ago I made the conversion to HDTV using Comcast. It involved buying a HDTV and paying Comcast and extra $8/mo for HD service and exchanging my digital cable box for a HD cable box from Comcast.
Digital input looks better on a 766x1366 HDTV, and HD looks even better. The amount of HD content is constantly inproving.
You only THINK you "made the conversion to HDTV". HDTV from cable or DSS is horrible by comparison of what you get for free off-the-air. I can't suggest that anyone get their HDTV from "cable" even if it is free. I know a few are limited by their antenna options; but if you have the choice cable should be a last resort.
Not all Cable systems will work with out a box.
by dfstulac - 5/3/08 7:41 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have recently heard reports that the analog tuners will not work without a box. Many of us use basic cable and connect to the tuners in our TV's with out a cable box. Several providers have indicated that you need to upgrade to a cable box to continue to recieve analog signals. You should check with your cable provider. Additionally, I do not belive the goverenment provided boxes will work with Cable (only over the air). You may be stuck unless you upgrade to HDTV or get a box from the cable company. (Typicaly $9.95 per box per month) I alrady have an HDTV anttena and plan to get boxes from the government for the TV' that don't have boxes already.
I have ATT uverse and it is a great solution for my main analog and digital tv's (cheaper than cable and with more chanels than cable or satelite/
It is up to the cable company
by wgself - 5/3/08 7:43 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
No analog over the air.
If you get your signal via a different route, (cable,dish,etc)
it is up to the provider as they are not using the broadcast spectrum.
Don't Buy That Converter Box Just Yet!
by Walker Evans - 5/3/08 7:43 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Chuck B,
According to my cable supplier, any TV that is hooked to a cable will continue to receive all signals/services after the switch to digital, with no action or expense on the part of the subscriber. Only those folks who still receive their signals over-the-air will need to get converter boxes (or a new TV - real digital is awesome!).
"Vouchers" are available from the U.S. government that will offset much of the cost of a converter box, so even those who need one shouldn't have a large out-of-pocket expense.
It will not be the same for everyone.
by inetdog - 5/3/08 8:14 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First, although the FCC has required cable companies that currently provide analog service to continue providing it, there will be exceptions, mostly for small rural cable systems, which allow the cable operator to switch entirely to digital. The intent is to support cable companies without the infrastructure or captial to provide both analog and digital service.
Second, after the transition date some broadcast stations (low power community stations and repeaters to cover outlying areas) will continue to use analog. This does not affect Chuck directly, but it may affect others who do not get all of their local stations over the cable.
Finally, the cable operator may choose to make some non-broadcast channels, even in their BASIC service level, available in digital form only. My Comcast service changed earlier this year to provide the TV Guide channel in digital format only. To get that channel I do not need to subscribe to digital cable, but I do have to use a TV with digital RF input or get a convertor box for each TV that I want to see the TV Guide channel on.
Digital or not - that is the question
by davejyd - 5/3/08 8:25 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Chuck -
You are asking the question that every TV owner is asking now - What do I need to do to receive digital TV? Here are some guidelines to help you determine what you need - -
1. If you have cable, satellite, or other type of Pay TV, you should be fine. Cable companies already convert digital signals for analog TVs. (NOTE: Some cable companies may require you to have one of their cable boxes - check with your local cable company to be sure)
2. If you receive TV signals by antenna (from "rabbit ears" to a roof-mount antenna), you will need to have a digital TV. Since March, 2007, all new TVs sold must contain a digital tuner. Or, you can purchase a Digital Tuner to "convert" your older analog TV to a digital TV. Many retailers have them available now. However, I would wait a bit, as there have been some incompatibility issues creeping up with some of these tuners on the market right now. And you will need a box for each TV.
3. The Government is offering a "Coupon" good for $40.00 off of a digital tuner box for older TVs. However, once you print the coupon (available at https://www.dtv2009.gov/), it is only good for 90 days, so it would be best to wait to print the coupon until you are ready to buy. You can get 2 coupons from this program.
Hope this info helps you in your quest for good TV. Good luck, and good watching!
Print the Coupon?
by ultraboing - 5/3/08 2:49 PM In reply to: Digital or not - that is the question by davejydI didn't know there was an option to print the coupon. I received my coupons about a month ago, and they were plastic cards (similar to debit or credit cards) sent through the mail.
RE: Converter Box
by skmshaffer - 5/3/08 8:31 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Cirtain cable companies will continue sending Analog TV Signals. What I reccomend is that you call your cable company and ask them. If you have done that and they said you don't need a converter box just to be on the safe side buy one and see if you need it if not return it.
DTV
by smosner - 5/3/08 8:46 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Digital TV is just that, if you have cable or dish, you are already receiving the signal. This will only effect the people who do not use cable or dish.
Analog television transmissions and Digital transmissions
by mjd420nova - 5/3/08 8:48 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The new digital broadcast transmission standards will affect only the OVER THE AIR transmission of television stations that broadcast via antennas. The cable and satelite television systems will remain the same as before. If you wish to receive television signals direct from the broadcasters via an antenna, you will need a converter box for each set to receive those signals. Cable companies and satelite systems will still be sending you the same signals as before and no converter box is needed.
DTV
by jcjm3 - 5/3/08 9:27 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Chuck,
The only way you would a converter box is if your watching TV using "bunny ears". If yo get your TV from a cable company you'll be just fine and do not need a converter box. If you want look on PBS they had a show talking about it and explained it all. I watched it like a week ago.
Jeff
You're cool
by rderuiter - 5/3/08 9:39 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You're right. The salesman is wrong.
If you want to be extra sure, call your cable company provider. Unlike TV stations, cable companies do not have to limit their broadcasts to digital only. Although this might change in the future (I expect it will eventually), it's not necessary now.
Of course, to watch the digital channels most cable companies are now offering, you will need a digital to analog converter. Once again, check with your cable company for your needs. They likely have some hardware for you, but you may be able to find better deals for the same hardware elsewhere.
Digital TV transition
by tucwit - 5/3/08 9:40 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Until 2012, the cable companies are obligated by FCC rulings to continue to provide analog signals to their customers. This will likely be done by conversion of standard definition digital TV signals to analog. In 2012, the FCC will reconsider this ruling to see if it needs to be extended. The pressure from the cable companies will be fierce since they will have been providing three sets of signals at a high bandwidth cost.
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