Government coupons still available for converters
On Feb. 17 television transmission will switch over from analog
broadcast in the United States to digital delivery. Here is some
information on the transition from PCMag.com.
Government coupons still available for converters
On Feb. 17 television transmission will switch over from analog broadcast in the United States to digital delivery. Here is some information on the transition from PCMag.com.
Myth No. 1: My TV will stop working after February 17, 2009.
While it is true that TVs will no longer receive analog broadcasts from local stations (as they will have switched to digital broadcast formats), the TV itself will continue to operate normally. If you have a VCR, DVD player, game console or other standalone source device, don’t worry: These products will continue to work with your television. The only casualty will be analog tuner-only portable televisions that lack a video input (including many handheld TV devices).
Myth No. 2: I need a new HDTV(high definition) in order to watch a DTV (digital) broadcast.
If you’re a cable or satellite subscriber, you won’t notice a thing when analog television broadcasting ceases. You can continue to use whatever television or other display device you’re using now. For the folks who view free TV via an antenna, the ability to receive and view digital broadcast television signals requires the use of a compatible digital tuner that’s either built into the TV or a separate set-top box.
Myth No. 3: The government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program has run out of money/coupons.
The government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program Web site is still accepting new applications and will continue to distribute coupons until “the obligation ceiling is reached.” Current applicants are going on a waiting list. Keep in mind that unredeemed coupons are recycled back into the program, so while it may take a longer time to process your request now compared with a few months ago, the program and coupons are still available (at this point).
Myth No. 4: Using a converter box will allow me to watch HDTV.
DTV, digital television, is not the same thing as HDTV, high-definition television. While the DTV system encompasses standard- and high-definition video formats, you will not get a true HD experience unless everything is HD-compatible, including the video material, the video cables connecting the gear and the TV itself.
Myth No. 5: There are no stations broadcasting digital television programming.
As of this writing the National Association of Broadcasting lists 1,655 DTV stations currently in operation across 210 U.S. markets. (The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are already broadcasting in digital.)
Courtesy of PCMag.com. To read the full article, visit go.pcmag.com/digitaltelevision.
