TV Going Digital in 2009-What does that mean?
Here in the states, there will be no more analog TV broadcasts from the “full power” stations after February, 2009. However most of us regular people who did not grow up in the “digital” age have no idea what that means. I know most of you don’t care about what it is and why we are doing that, you just want to know if your TV will still work! And if it won’t, you want to know what to do about it. Well read on! I’m going to break it down for you:
First of all, you may not need to do anything. If you are already getting your TV signal through a cable TV service, satellite, or a fiber-optic source you will see no interruption in service. If you have not subscribed to the digital cable service from your cable TV provider, you are getting “analog cable” signals. If you are getting analog cable or if you subscribe to a satellite service, you may need to upgrade your converter box at some point (but not right away). You have to contact your service provider to find out if and when converter boxes/upgraded converter boxes will be required.
If you get your TV signal through an antenna (“rabbit ears” or roof top), you are getting an analog signal and will have to do some checking to see if you need make some adjustments to see television. Here’s what to do:
- Find out if your TV has a digital tuner. Lots of TVs made in the last several years can accommodate both analog and digital signals. If your TV was manufactured or imported after March 1, 2007, it was required by law to have a digital tuner. If you bought your TV after May 25, 2007, it is required by law to have a digital tuner or state clearly that it doesn’t have one. Look around the back of your TV or in your manual (if you still have it!) to see if it says Digital Tuner, DTV Tuner, HDTV Tuner or Digital Receiver. If not, check out the manufacturer’s website. (Putting the manufacturer’s name and your TV’s model number into a search engine like google.com for sites with details on your TV.) If it does have a tuner, you do NOT need a converter box. Your TV can interpret digital signals. If not, you will need to purchase a converter box. (These should cost about $40 to $70 each, according to DTV.gov’s FAQ section. But you can get a coupon to pay for or help defray the cost of 2 boxes for your house if you qualify! Check out THIS SITE for more information, or call 1-888-388-2009.)
- Check your antenna. While there are are some “HD Ready” antennas already out there, a decent VHF/UHF antenna can already pick up digital signals. Some stations are already broadcasting in digital on another VHF or UHF band. Call up a local station and ask if they are broadcasting their signal in digital, and if so, what channel. Turn your TV to that channel and see if you can see their digital broadcast. If your antenna cannot pick up a digital signal, you will need to replace it.
Witchy’s Bottom Line: Generally speaking, if you have cable or satellite or fiber-optic TV service, you’re safe. If you get your TV through an antenna, you need to make sure that your TV can interpret a digital signal and that your antenna can pick up a digital signal. If not, you will need a converter box and/or a new antenna.
If you want more information about the whys and wherefores of DTV, please check out DTV.gov or speak to the customer service representative of your TV service provider or your local TV station.
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Good information. Easy to understand. Quick and easy. Left me with no questions. Thanks…