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So it’s coming close to the DTV switch occurring on February 17th 2009 at midnight and I wanted to take a minute and explain exactly what’s going to happen.
As of right now, all full power television stations are providing their service over the air as an analog signal and through cable companies as a digital signal. The analog signal can be received by any TV using an antenna (rabbit ears) similar to how your radio works in your car, while the digital signal can only be received by a TV with a digital tuner or through cable / satellite service. The DTV 2009 switch will require all analog signals to be stopped and only digital signals will be provided. This means if you only use an antenna to receive your TV stations, you will lose this service unless you sign up for cable / satellite or get a DTV converter box.
Now the government is providing 2 coupons each worth $40 towards the purchase of certified DTV converter boxes. These boxes will simply convert a television signal coming into your house into a digital television or DTV signal.
The reason the government is requiring all stations to switch over to an all digital signal is to clear the airwaves for emergency services and provide television viewers a clearer picture on their TVs. This will ensure that emergency responders have a clear signal to use in case of a disaster.
The DTV switch is causing a lot of confusion and hopefully this will clear that up. You do not need to buy a new TV or even sign up for cable as long as you get a DTV converter box from your local retail store. Make sure you check out the government’s web page on DTV 2009 and make sure you get the correct DTV converter box. You can visit the DTV 2009 site here.
Do you still use an antenna to receive your TV stations? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of the DTV switch.
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Sharon, Saint Louis, MO
My experiences with the DTV conversion: multiple issues. I purchased a new TV a month before the government announced this program, but it wasn’t ‘digital ready’. I don’t understand why retailers were allowed to still sell TV sets that weren’t ‘digital ready’. Additionally, I let my coupons sit until they were expired, by one day, and the retailer would not accept it.
I found conflicting or lack of information was the most telling problem: “If you buy a converter make sure it will switch from digital back to analog”; “now is not the time to buy a new TV because those with digital converters installed are not working properly”.
I purchased my converters from Radio Shack. When I had trouble setting them up, Radio Shack could not help me, and there wasn’t a number on the converter to call for help.
I still don’t have a working DTV after trying settings on Channels 3 and 4, keying in the code for my brand of TV, and scanning and setting the station. I can’t find any information on the web that answers ‘converter installation’ problems.
My specific problem is that my converter control works for everything except audio. I have to use my television control to turn on and adjust the sound.
Update
A friend pointed out another possible problem that could/would cost the consumer money. What is the guarantee on the DTV converters? What happens when they go out or out of warranty? Will we have to pay the FULL price for a new one?
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