HDTV is knocking at our entree and you'll have to let it in! Will you be in the dark Feb 17, 2009? Better read on! March 1, 2007: Any component that has an analog TV tuner must also include a digital tuner.
February 17, 2009: A government mandate requires that all full-power TV broadcasters stop broadcasting analog signals and turn to 100% digital broadcasting by THIS DATE! This transformation will primarily concern nearly 15-20 million TV consumers who rely on localized over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna.
Viewers who concur to cable or satellite TV shouldn't undergo any interruption in those services. If needful, your Cable or Dish provider will provide a digital set-top box that will work with your TV.
For continuing broadcasting after the 2009 cutoff, all of you out there with your old-fashioned TVs (analog-only tuners) will need to be attached to a digital-to-analog converter box, or replaced by a new HDTV with a built-in digital receiver.
As of now these device boxes will sell for between $50 and $70. These will be purchasable to the public real soon! If you opt out for the "stand alone" convertor box don't be mistaken that you will have a high definition signal, you will be receiving a digital signal alright but like the boxes title, it's converting it back to analog!
Also if you currently subscribe to DIRECTV or DISH, your HD satellite receiver will most likely include an over-the-air HD tuner to get your local HDTV stations.
Let me add something to this tho'... most all your Cable and Satellite companies will charge you surplus (ordinarily around $10/month more) to get your local High def signals via there receiver!
If you prefer this route and your ok with $10 fee your prepared to go! Your other choice?... Buy your own over-the-air (OTA) HDTV antenna and pocket the $120/year!
The antenna is inexpensive and actually you will get a nicer image than via your cable or Dish provider's box! How?... When you get your Hi def signal via your own hd antenna your are getting a (pure) 100% digital uncompressed signal!
Receiving your signal through a Dish/Cable company causes the HD communication to get compressed (squeezed smaller) in order for your provider to carry along with all the other channels their providing you! Hdtv is fast coming but it's ok.
Having the noesis of the options you have to decide upon will make it simplified to open the door!
