HDTV is shouting at our entree and you'll have to let it in! Will you be in the unknown Feb 17, 2009? A few dates to be aware of! March 1, 2007: Any component that has an analog TV tuner must also include a digital tuner.
February 17, 2009: A governance mandate requires that all full-power TV stations stop broadcasting analog signals and change to 100% digital broadcasting by THIS DATE! This transformation will primarily change nearly 15-20 million TV viewers who rely on localized over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna.
Consumers who subscribe to cable or Dish TV shouldn't experience any interruption in those services. If needed, your Cable or Dish provider will distribute a digital set-top box that will work with your TV.
For continued reception 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 converter box, or replaced by a new HDTV with a built-in digital tuner.
As of now these device boxes will sell for between $50 and $70. These will be available to the public really soon! If you opt out for the "stand alone" convertor box don't be fooled 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 receiver to get your localised HDTV stations.
Let me add something to this though... most all your Cable and Satellite companies will charge you surplus (usually around $10/month more) to get your localised High def signals via there receiver! If you decide this route and your ok with $10 fee your ripe to go!
Your remaining option... Acquire your own over-the-air (OTA) HDTV antenna and keep the $120/year! The antenna is cheap and actually you will get a sharper 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!
Getting your signal through a Dish/Cable provider causes the HD communication to get compressed (squeezed smaller) in order for your provider to transfer along with all the other channels their providing you!
Hdtv is fast forthcoming but it's ok. Having the noesis of the options you have to decide upon will make it elementary to open the door!
