It is estimated that at the beginning of 2009 there were in excess of 6 million homes that were unprepared for the move to digital television (DTV).
The U.S. Government has offered a coupon program that allows recipients to receive a savings of $40 off a converter box so they can continue to receive television content once the analogue signal is dropped from service.
Good News
If you use a satellite TV service or a cable box supplied by your cable company you generally will not need a converter. Your television viewing should be largely uninterrupted because these services are generally offered using a digital receiver.
A Myth Exposed
Some have come to believe that in order to continue receiving a signal for television viewing they would need to purchase an HDTV. High Def television will allow a digital signal without a digital converter box, but a high def TV isn’t essential to the continued enjoyment of your favorite television shows.
Would you still like a rebate?
The government is suggesting that citizens continue to sign up for rebates during the program timeline if they plan on purchasing a converter box. While the original fund was completely depleted there may still be a means of receiving funds to cover most of the cost of the box. Prices will vary, but you probably don’t need to spend any more than $20 more after redeeming the government coupon.
Other Fast Facts
- You will still need to use an antenna to receive programs.
- A new channel scan will need to take place to locate all available channels after the switch to digital.
- Don’t expect a flawless switch. Many television stations will need to make adjustments after the switch and it may take some time for the best reception to be seen when using the new digital cable box.
- Each analogue television set will need its own digital cable box (the government may allow the redemption of up to two coupons when converting more than one set).
- Digital antennas are available, but not essential to the reception of digital material.
- DTV should offer improved picture and sound for viewers.
- If your television was manufactured after March 2007 it should be DTV ready even if it is not an HDTV set.
- If you are buying a new television you need to make sure it is DTV ready. In some cases stores may still have sets on hand that were manufactured prior to March 2007.
- There are three quality levels of digital television. Standard Definition (SDTV), Enhanced Definition (EDTV) High Definition (HDTV). These are separate quality levels that may be determined by your television set – not your digital conversion box.
- Programs shown in high definition (HD) can still be seen on SDTV or EDTV. They will simply not be in high def.
- As with all electronics you will need to pay careful attention to the connection instructions related to the use of the DTV converter box.
- DTV is designed to offer more alternatives for viewers while freeing up analogue broadcasting space for additional uses.
Change is never easy and it may cause some confusion in the process of implementation, but the end result is reported to be a greater viewing experience for all. Knowing more about DTV can help eliminate some of the concern surrounding the change.
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