February 1, 2010
The Death Of Analog Television
Whitney Alen asked:
The looming switch from analog television signal to digital signal has many consumers concerned about being able to continue watching television. Understanding what is entailed in the change will help put most consumer's minds at ease, though there are a few things that will have to be changed in your TV set up, particularly if you still have an analog television.
What Will I Have To Change? For starters, you'll have to buy at least a digital/analog converter if you want to continue using your analog television. This only applies to air to ground signal, though. If you have satellite television service, you already have digital signal and will not lose any programming. Other than purchasing a converter box, buying a digital ready television is your only option. Most TV's produced today are digital ready.
Can I Still Use My Antenna? In some cases, an existing antenna can be used with digital air to ground television signals. Areas that only receive moderate signal with an indoor antenna will most likely need to upgrade to a more powerful outdoor antenna, though. Also, areas that get marginal signal with an outdoor antenna may lose signal completely.
Does My Digital TV Get HD Signal? The answer is simply - No. You'll have to buy an HDTV for that. In addition, you'll have to subscribe to a satellite or cable provider that offers HD channels. (DirecTV HD has the most channles of any provider). There are quite a few different models from which to choose, including plasma, LCD and DLP. New technologies are also being developed to increase the market offerings.
Some areas will have to rely on local channel programming through their satellite television provider. Digital signal offers much greater clarity and better signal, but it does not travel as far as analog signal. Check with your local satellite service company to find out what local channels are offered in your area.
In addition, satellite providers are beginning to offer HD local channel programming, though it is not yet available in any but the largest television markets. The coverage will continue to expand, but it will take several years before it is available in very rural areas.
Does My HDTV Have a Tuner? Many HDTV's have a built in tuner, so you will not have to purchase a separate tuner box to receive air to ground signal. While quite a few models offer this, you should check your owner's manual to make sure. Look for a listing for "digital tuner" or "ATSC tuner."
When Will Analog Broadcasting End? Not long at all. February 17, 2009 is the scheduled date for ending analog signal transmissions. This means that local stations are ramping up their digital preparedness and some are getting ready to start HD broadcasting as well. Make sure that you have a converter box or digital ready television before that date, though, if you plan to keep watching local programming through air to ground signal. A better option, though, is to subscribe to a satellite service provider.
plasma hdtv
The looming switch from analog television signal to digital signal has many consumers concerned about being able to continue watching television. Understanding what is entailed in the change will help put most consumer's minds at ease, though there are a few things that will have to be changed in your TV set up, particularly if you still have an analog television.
What Will I Have To Change? For starters, you'll have to buy at least a digital/analog converter if you want to continue using your analog television. This only applies to air to ground signal, though. If you have satellite television service, you already have digital signal and will not lose any programming. Other than purchasing a converter box, buying a digital ready television is your only option. Most TV's produced today are digital ready.
Can I Still Use My Antenna? In some cases, an existing antenna can be used with digital air to ground television signals. Areas that only receive moderate signal with an indoor antenna will most likely need to upgrade to a more powerful outdoor antenna, though. Also, areas that get marginal signal with an outdoor antenna may lose signal completely.
Does My Digital TV Get HD Signal? The answer is simply - No. You'll have to buy an HDTV for that. In addition, you'll have to subscribe to a satellite or cable provider that offers HD channels. (DirecTV HD has the most channles of any provider). There are quite a few different models from which to choose, including plasma, LCD and DLP. New technologies are also being developed to increase the market offerings.
Some areas will have to rely on local channel programming through their satellite television provider. Digital signal offers much greater clarity and better signal, but it does not travel as far as analog signal. Check with your local satellite service company to find out what local channels are offered in your area.
In addition, satellite providers are beginning to offer HD local channel programming, though it is not yet available in any but the largest television markets. The coverage will continue to expand, but it will take several years before it is available in very rural areas.
Does My HDTV Have a Tuner? Many HDTV's have a built in tuner, so you will not have to purchase a separate tuner box to receive air to ground signal. While quite a few models offer this, you should check your owner's manual to make sure. Look for a listing for "digital tuner" or "ATSC tuner."
When Will Analog Broadcasting End? Not long at all. February 17, 2009 is the scheduled date for ending analog signal transmissions. This means that local stations are ramping up their digital preparedness and some are getting ready to start HD broadcasting as well. Make sure that you have a converter box or digital ready television before that date, though, if you plan to keep watching local programming through air to ground signal. A better option, though, is to subscribe to a satellite service provider.
plasma hdtv
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