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Community Newsletter: Q&A: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009
- 5/16/08 3:56 PM
Zenith box is awesome!!
by hoopitup2000 - 5/10/08 12:25 PM In reply to: As for TVs connected to antennas... (Don't throw away TV) by john55440The Zenith converter box will give an excellent picture, and it will pick up most everything within 50-70 miles of your location. A good outside antenna can produce amazing results. I get these results with a small, inexpensive Winegard 7210 antenna(No amplification!!)
Three Short Questions on DTV conversion
by africanhut - 5/10/08 9:26 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hey all, here are my questions:
1. How do you know if your present tv is digital or not and if it needs the box?
2. I have a DLP HDTV hooked to satelite and get my locals through it (but they are not in HD and I do not receive any sub-channels). I also have another video option (?? like Video 2 or 3 ?? I don't what you call them) and I use a set top antenna to get my locals since a few of them broadcast over the air in 1080i or 720i. I also receive some (or maybe all) of the sub channels.
First, will I still be able to receive those channels the way I have things are set up now?
Secondly, even if I can still receive them with my present setup, are there any advantages to using the DTV Box?? I read in one of the posts that it pulls the channels in better?? With the coupon, you can get the boxes for $20 at Best Buy and it would be worth it if the channels came in better. They usually come in fine now but sometimes I will lose and re-gain the signal (sometimes so often that I just switch back to satelite) and was wondering if the box would reduce or eliminate this??
Thanks for any resposes. CNET is a awesome place for all the information I ever need (unless I am dealing with Vista and then no one seems to be able to help. Just downloaded SP1 and hope things will got better.....wishful thinking 
.
Thanks again,
Mike
re: Three short questions ...
by gmclam - 5/10/08 2:15 PM In reply to: Three Short Questions on DTV conversion by africanhut> 1. How do you know if your present tv is digital or not and if it needs the box?
Check the owner's manual; check to see if there are any designations for ATSC.
> 2. I have a DLP HDTV hooked to satelite and get my locals through it (but they are not in HD and I do not receive any sub-channels).
Typically, cable & satellite companies are not going to rebroadcast sub-channels. Also, they typically charge extra for HD. Your best bet to get both is to connect an antenna.
> ... and I use a set top antenna to get my locals since a few of them broadcast over the air in 1080i or 720i. I also receive some (or maybe all) of the sub channels.
In order to get 1080i or 720P (HD), you need an HD signal and tuner. If you were connected to an antenna with an ATSC tuner, you'd have that. Note that the CONVERTERS which you can get with a $40 coupon do NOT provide HD. They will downconvert any HD signal into SD as required.
> First, will I still be able to receive those channels the way I have things are set up now?
What channels?
> Secondly, even if I can still receive them with my present setup, are there any advantages to using the DTV Box??
It sounds like your TV is already digital and ATSC. Using a converter in your case will make things worse.
> I read in one of the posts that it pulls the channels in better??
Some converters work better than others. They'll all typically do a better job that what you get with analog signals OTA.
Thanks for the information
by africanhut - 5/14/08 11:01 AM In reply to: re: Three short questions ... by gmclamI appreciate the help. You did ask <What Channels> I was referring to the locals that I pull in with my antenna. I read something in the literature that came with my Dish DVR/HD box that It has that tuner built in that you talked about and I have the locals also on Dish but not in HD. If I understand you correctly, using the converter box will take away the HD locals that I pull in with my antenna and I will not need the converter to keep getting those. I can use the $20 for something else (but Dish is giving them away just for the coupon and I do need one for an old TV in one of my kid's room.
Thanks again for helping me to understand all this. I think I will wait until February and see what happends to those channels that I pull in with my antenna.
Mike
More information
by gmclam - 5/14/08 12:03 PM In reply to: Thanks for the information by africanhut> You did ask <What Channels> I was referring to the locals that I pull in with my antenna. I read something in the literature that came with my Dish DVR/HD box that It has that tuner built in that you talked about and I have the locals also on Dish but not in HD.
Yes, many satellite recievers have ATSC tuners built into them. I have one for DirectTV and one for DISH even though I do not subscribe to ANY TV service.
Channels in HD take up a lot more bandwidth for TV service providers. So you may be able to get the channel in SD or have to pay extra to get it in HD; that is if it is even available in HD.
> If I understand you correctly, using the converter box will take away the HD locals that I pull in with my antenna
All converter boxes eligible for the $40 discount coupon must "down-rezz" any HD signal into SD. However there are non eligible tuners and converters out there that will pass any HD signal to your display. But you'll need an HD display to be able to enjoy it.
> and I will not need the converter to keep getting those.
If you are able to receive the digital broadcasts, whether in SD or HD, you do not need a converter box. If you have no means to receive the local digital channels AND you have a TV which is only SD, a converter box is the "best" option.
> I can use the $20 for something else (but Dish is giving them away just for the coupon and I do need one for an old TV in one of my kid's room.
The converters which the $40 coupons can be used on are limited. Certainly the cable and satellite companies are "concerned" that people will learn they get higher quality pictures from an antenna than they do by paying them their high fees (including paying extra for HD signals). So they'll gladly "give" you whatever they have to in order to retain your business.
No need for a new TV...unless you have the ca$h to burn.
by rahsaan_t - 5/10/08 9:57 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The new digital converter will get you additional channels at CABLE QUALITY FOR FREE, however depending where you are you will need a roof or indoor power antennae.
Buy a new TV? No need unless you want a new flat screen.
- The only negative issue is the signal is ALL or NOTHING. Crystal Clear or a black screen. No snow, sound or picture.
The great benefit is that you get:
- A great picture
- Additional channels witin the normal channels you watch (x.1, x.2, x.3, x.4, x.5)
- Increased reception. Depending where you live you will receive regional channels that you were not able to receive over the air before.
- No monthly bill
Wait for that old TV to die and get more TV for your money four years from now. Remember that $3,500 set two years ago? It is going less than $1,000 right now.
I have the box in Puerto Rico
by geofffeldman - 5/10/08 12:11 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I recently received my coupons and bought the box for 70 dollars in Radio Shack. I bought the Digital Stream model. I had earlier seen a Magnavox in Walmart for 20 less and an Insignia for 10 less in Best Buy. I already knew Walmart was out of stock and I was not willing to wait in exchange for just 10 bucks. Then I went to Best Buy and they were out too! Since I had already invested my time and gasoline in this endeaver I decided to buy the box in Radio Shack of Plaza de las Americas. There are few options that I have seen here in this Island. I live in a section of San Juan called Urbanización Valencia and I had previously only been able to receive one channel, 11, with halfway decent reception. Now I can receive all three priciple channels and with a little work on the antennae a few minor channels so it is a huge improvement. I do not know personally of any other Puerto Rican´'s experience, it seems that while many here rely on ota transmissions(considerble more than in the US) those who are most conscious of the transition are those most likely to have cable or satellite. One feature I like is the power of signal meter. Unlike analog, digital is hit or miss, the reception isn't like better, better, best. If a station is elusive I use the meter, and adjust the attenae.
Dtv is complicated
by matthew.d - 5/10/08 4:38 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi my name is Matthew and im concerned about the dtv.
do you noe if the original tv stations will be airing on Dtv that we have right now on the anntenna such as Fox, and CBS.Since i already bought the converter box, i want to know if they will airing the same way as the antenna channels, Becuz i already connected it and everything yet i still cant get it to show the same channels as the antenna. If u could reply to me that will be great.
- thank u
Digital Transition for Feb 2009
by JCipo - 5/10/08 4:46 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
We got our $40 government coupon for a converter. We have a set not on cable just incase the cable might go out. The one set is connected to a big (and old) outdoor antenna. We paid $10 for the box. It was a bit more to hook it up (read the instructions) but now we have the digital channels like 4.1 and 7.2. It works fine and the picture is great.
Cable customers are OK but older DirectTV customers must pay
by georgethomasapfel - 5/10/08 11:50 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In most cases if you are a cable customer you will not need a converter for all your sets if you use the cable company provided receiver for each. However, if you are an older DirectTV subscriber with an older receiver you will be required to pay for a new receiver for each set in your house- their basic model runs $69 for each (and you cannot use the government coupon) The new receiver also requires dish replacement which appears to be at no charge--but you must arrange for them to replace it. DirectTV touts "free local channels" on their packages but only for new subscribers. Older customers will need to pay--and beware the hidden gotcha which re-ups you to a new 2-year committment when purchasing the newer receivers. This is apparently hidden on the service order you sign when their installers setup the new dish, 'hidden' in that you are being told you're signing to verify the completed install and NOT informed you are also signing to be locked in for two more years.
Your're all good
by sefuly - 5/11/08 8:26 AM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you already have cable on your tv whether analog or digital your all good. You have to purchase a digital box if you have a tv that doesn't have one built in, simply hook it up then do a channel scan, and wala digital for free. Most new tv's have built in digital tuners(atsc) even tubes. I think the confusion starts because some people are afraid or just misinformed by others who don't know what their talking about. Change can be scary for some...lol...Remember not all broadcast will be hd,usually only sports and one pbs station(requires hdtv for hd content)( this is over the air via rabbit ears) Tubes will be digital not hd, theres a difference.(hd will be dispayed in either 720p or 1080i, non-hd but digital will be 4801) Most digital boxes will display type of signal on top of the screen, so you'll know when your flipping channels). I hope this clears up all the confusion out there and change is a good thing...lol...
digital t.v. (dtv) transition in 2009
by sweetjackie - 5/11/08 2:01 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Regarding your question.
This question does not involve me,the reason being is that only
involves people in he U.S.
Thank you
DTV transition effect is greater and deeper
by sadrude - 5/11/08 6:47 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Everyone talks about "If you have Cable / Satellite connected to SDTV you will be OK or You do not need DTV Converter Box". Come Feb'09, poor people with older TVs will either need DTV Converter Box for every SD Tuner TV to watch Local TV broadcasts OR Fork out at least $5.00 a month more to Dish Network and/or Direct TV for Local TV Broadcasts, analog or digital depending on the receiver capability.
Exception is, $5.00 charge is waived if Local SDTV broadcasts is not accesible in subscribers area. From Feb '09, Dish Network will most likey still charge $5.00 as long DTV broadcasts are accessible in subscribers area using the DTV tuner boxes.
People who went ahead and got their $40.00 DTV coupons and already bought their $59.99 Converter boxes, may have to replace them if they want the converter box that is more responsive, better video quality, better user interface, better Closed Captioning and most importantly intutive EPG. I know I am waiting for some Echostar model that is supposedly much better than anything on the market today.
People who wait for better convertor boxes or for price to drop to $40.00 or less, risk not getting the DTV coupons at all once the funds are depleted, specially if they claim to have Cable or Satellite service. On the other hand these folks may fare the best when the Gov. allocates more funds to DTV Program thanks to consumer groups' pressure and then they will laugh all the way to major electronic stores to purchase latest DTV Convertor boxes.
Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009
by si - 5/11/08 7:00 PM In reply to: DTV transition effect is greater and deeper by sadrudeOne thing about those government issued coupons: They expire 3 months from the mail date!
it is only affecting the over the air broadcasts
by jpedgar - 5/11/08 9:50 PM In reply to: Please clarify the digital TV (DTV) transition in 2009 by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
CATV companies and satelitte companies are not being affected by this.
The government is making over the air broadcast go digital so it can free up space on those frequencies currently being used.
Since CATV signal are a "closed" system it does not affect it. What i mean by a closed system is this. A catv plant is not suppose to leak signal out or have signal leak into it. They can run whatever they want on their plant given they have the capabilty. They can continue to run analog signals if they want to. Their analog signal is not broadcast over the air. Now some CATV systems might try to get rid of their analog channels so they can free up more space but i dont see this happening anytime soon. They can continue to offer analog channels without the customer needing a digital tuner or set top box. This is a huge advantage of having basic cable compared to satellite. If you want to get digital channels from a CATV plant then yes u will need a set top box or digital tuner. CATV companies have a large market of analog customers. If they get rid of their analog channels and start broadcasting in digital only then those customers will have to pay rental for the digital box. Many subscribers stay with CATV analog because they can have all the tv's hooked up without being charged for the boxes.
Now satellite companies only transmit their signals in digital so if u have satellite service now u have a digital box or tuner already.
This transition only affects people who still receive signal from a antenna.
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