A few dates to jot down! March 1, 2007: Any component that has an analog TV tuner must also allow a digital tuner.



Feb 17, 2009: A government authorization requires that all full-power TV broadcasters stop broadcasting analog signals and shift to 100% digital broadcasting by THIS DATE!!! This shift will primarily affect nearly 15-20 million TV consumers who rely on localized over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna.

Consumers who purchase to Directv or satellite TV shouldn't undergo any interruption in those services. If necessary, your Cable or Dish company will distribute a digital set-top box that will work with your TV.

Ok, what do I have to do?

For continued broadcasting after the 2009 cutoff, all of you out there with your old-fashioned TVs (analog-only tuners) will need to be linked to a digital-to-analog device 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 acquirable to the public really soon! If you opt out for the "stand alone" converter 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 localized HDTV stations.

Let me add something to this though... most all your Cable and Satellite companies will charge you extra (ordinarily around $10/month more) to get your local High def signals via there receiver! If you choose this way and your ok with $10 fee your primed to go!

Your otherwise choice?... Get your own over-the-air (OTA) HDTV antenna and pocket the $120/year! The antenna is cheap and actually you will get a nicer picture 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 provider causes the HD communication to get compressed (squeezed smaller) in order for your provider to transmit along with all the other channels their providing you!

Go ahead and let'em in!

Hdtv is quickly coming but it's ok. Having the knowledge of the options you know to decide upon will make it effortless to open the door!