On June 12, 2009, watching television as we know it will come to an end. By order of federal law, the transmission of Analog broadcasting will cease and Digital Television broadcasting will reign supreme. Time is rapidly approaching for this conversion, so what does this mean for us…the consumer? Do I have to purchase a new TV? Can I still receive over the air channels using my antenna? Why do we have to have a new signal anyway?
The age of digital is upon on us and this is not a bad thing, so don’t be scared and confused. Analog broadcasting has been the standard format for transmitting television programming since the invention of the TV. Now it’s time to evolve. Digital Television, or DTV for short, can provide a better picture and sound quality than the former Analog signal. Comparatively, it would be like watching a DVD as opposed to a VHS (remember those). A digital signal offers the transmission of more data and allows us to view and hear an image with better resolution, sharper images, and cleaner sound.
In most cases, there is no need to purchase a new television even if you have an analog TV. If you have satellite or cable programming, chances are your provider is already providing you with a digital signal and you should experience little or no change after June 12, 2009. If you are using an antenna, then you may have to get a converter box which sits right on top of your TV and is the connection point for your antenna and your television. There will still be free broadcasting of channels just as there is now; it just will be offered digitally and you can get digital converter boxes at most electronic retailers.
If you do decide to purchase a new Digital Television, there is a couple to choose from. You can get one with a built in digital tuner called an integrated DTV, or you may purchase a DTV monitor. The difference is that if you are viewing programming via antenna, you will need a digital converter box with the DTV monitor. If you have cable, or satellite programming as mentioned before, your provider will already be transmitting the digital signal and no box will be needed unless you want to watch a program that is over the air.
Finally, the analog signal will not be completely gone. Analog transmission will be used for many other important functions like communications for emergency personnel and other technologies. By converting to DTV after June 12, 2009 the airways will have less interference and thus provide a reliable source of safety broadcasting, emergency communications, and other technological advances.
If more information on this subject is something you’re interested,I would recommend this website www.dtvtransition.org .
Best,
Michael
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Michael - I see you're from Tampa. U must share my concern that Brighthouse is going to find a way to exploit the transition and take more of my dinera.
ReplyDeleteIts too bad when an antagonistic cable company can ruin what should be an exciting event. They've shown too many times they'll do anything or pull anything over on me to make a buck (or many bucks)