 |
|
If you have not heard about the DTV transition by now then I don’t know where you have been living. Its been plastered on TV and Radio for almost 18 months NON-STOP, yet people still don’t have a clue. So let’s clear up a few of the most common misconceptions.
- DTV is not that same as HDTV. DTV is Digital Television (transmission/signaling) while HDTV is High Definition Television (physical box/format). Yes, most HDTV’s will play DTV, but not all DTV is in HD. Older TV’s that are not HD can watch DTV with the help of a converter box.
- Not EVERYONE needs a digital converter box. Cable, FIOS, and satellite users will NOT be affected at all by the DTV switch. However, if you use an antenna now, you will be affected.
- You may not need a digital converter box even if you do use an antenna. If your TV has an ATSC tuner (The FCC requires all TV’s imported or shipped interstate after 3/1/07 to have a digital tuner), then that “is” your digital converter box. So just plug in the “ol’ ears”.
- You do not need to get a fancy DTV or HDTV Antenna to get DTV signals. Although some of these will offer better quality in low signal locations, regular rabbit ears from the 60’s will function just as well (assuming you are using a converter box or ATSC tuner TV). More Info and Tips for Antenna Users can be found below.
- Although the date of the switch has been moved from 2/17/09 to 6/12/09, that does not mean stations cannot turn off their analog signal prior to this date. Since it costs stations money to dual broadcast in digital and analog, some stations could turn off analog signal prior to the 6/12 deadline, so be sure to get your ASAP if you have not already.
I have included a number of other helpful resources below that can answer other questions you may have. As always feel free to email me questions, comments, or other ideas to askanerddad@dad-blogs.com.
See How well you are educated on DTV
Frequently Asked Questions about the DTV Switch
Interesting site to help you point/position your outdoor antenna for better signal.
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the NERDY RSS up in the upper right hand corner. You don’t want to miss out on even one NERDY POST.
Share this post!
Hits: 2214
What people have to say (6)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by DaddyKV, February 11, 2009
@-Charlie - In the most respectable manner that I can possibly say this "Its time to move on" (/pats on back) The cost of these converters are negligible when compared to the amount of time that people have had to purchase one. Assuming that its been on TV's for 18 months about the impending doom of dark TV's and still another 4 months to go, you would had to save just about $.15 a day and that would have bought you an expensive one ($100). As for backward compatible some things are best to just move on from ....kinda like ...Iomega Zip Drives. Bigger, better, faster, nicer. 
I understand I still have old TV in the garage that I need to find converter. 
I understand I still have old TV in the garage that I need to find converter.
-
- +0
-
-
written by JustVisiting, February 11, 2009
Charlie,
You asked about backward compatibility... The problem with that is they want to use the wireless spectrum that the analog signals currently use. Backwards compatibility in this case would limit forward movement.
The REAL reason is $$$. They want that analog spectrum to make money off of it.
I just don't see why the government has made it a requirement that all Americans deserve tv. I can see water, even electricity, but tv? I believe they fear what would happen if stupid, poor people no longer watched tv.
You asked about backward compatibility... The problem with that is they want to use the wireless spectrum that the analog signals currently use. Backwards compatibility in this case would limit forward movement.
The REAL reason is $$$. They want that analog spectrum to make money off of it.
I just don't see why the government has made it a requirement that all Americans deserve tv. I can see water, even electricity, but tv? I believe they fear what would happen if stupid, poor people no longer watched tv.
-
- +0
-
-
written by DaddyKV, February 11, 2009
@JustVisiting - You are 100% its all about money. I am happy though that they are doing some good by giving some of that band to use for emergency services. But you are correct most will just be used for making more money that the government will inevitably spend badly.
-
- +0
-
-
written by CharliePATpk, February 12, 2009
Giving the bandwidth to essential services makes sense; had I know about that I wouldn't have been so disappointed.
But as for my moving on, there are a lot of things I'll compromise on, and move-on about. But there are quite a number I won't. Perhaps it's stubborness, or perhaps it the onset of wisdom.
But as for my moving on, there are a lot of things I'll compromise on, and move-on about. But there are quite a number I won't. Perhaps it's stubborness, or perhaps it the onset of wisdom.
-
- +0
-
-
written by New-Dad-Blog, February 12, 2009
Unless you're over the age of 65 you shouldn't have to have this explained to you. We have spent millions of dollars telling people about this and now the ass-clowns in Washington feel people need more time. I spent a shit ton of money on a HDTV and on digital cable and now because the HD local stations have to scroll theses messages across the screen I lose a huge portion of the screen and it drops down to low def. . .
"If you don't understand this please ring your call button and Tommy will come back and hit you on the head with a tack hammer, because you are a retard!"- Tommy Boy
"If you don't understand this please ring your call button and Tommy will come back and hit you on the head with a tack hammer, because you are a retard!"- Tommy Boy
-
- +0
-
-
Write a comment
My father has on his desk a Bell Systems rotary dial phone: easily over 50 years old, it works as well today as it did when I dialed my first call (my 6 year old can't imagine anyone not using buttons to make a phone call).
I still have a collection of 33.3 RPM records, and I still own a turntable.
Granted, my father cannot access many automated services using his classic phone, nor can I easily purchase a stylus for my turntable, but these devices work for their native function.
In my garage I have small, black and white TV that will soon be truly obsolete, unless I buy a converter.
Whatever happened to backwards-compatibility?