RiseStar
September 23rd, 2007, 11:27 PM
February 2009 is approaching and there is still a lot of confusion and still numerous problems about the FCC mandated switch from analog television to all digital broadcasts.
The FCC has mandated that all off the air broadcasts must in an all digital format by February 2009, at which time the old analog signals will be shut off. This of course means that analog televisions will require some type of set-top receiver in order to continue to receive local off the air broadcasts. Many newer high end television come with digital tuners built in, allowing reception of off the air digital broadcasts. Older analog televisions however will require a converter box to continue to receive their local programming.
The FCC has announced that beginning January 1, 2008 the federal government will offer each U.S. household two coupons worth $40 each to be used to purchased digital television converter boxes. There are an estimated 21 million households in the U.S. that rely on off the air broadcasts. This number has shrunk in recent years with the increase in local channel markets from satellite providers.
Many local television broadcasters already broadcast in digital in addition to their analog service. This is not to be confused with high definition, as not all digital broadcasts are in high definition, although some are. Some are digital standard definition, such as you would receive from a satellite provider, some are also broadcast in Enhanced Definition, which is a step up from standard definition, and some are in true High Definition.
One problem was clarified and a solution offered recently when the FCC approved rules to help ensure the 40 million + cablevision subscribers will still be able to receive programming via analog cable service after February 2009 until at least 2012. This means that cablevision customers can still continue to receive service through their cable though the wall connection.
The popularity of digital signals has proved to be less than expected so far, likely due in part to the current high cost of digital off the air tuner boxes, which still tend to be $200+. Complicating this is that many manufacturers have discontinued production of their standalone digital boxes due to lack of interest. Instead, most have concentrated on integrating the digital tuners into their new television models.
So this gives people several options, none of which come without cost;
- Switch to a satellite DTH provider such as Directv or Dish Network that offers your local channels. Cost: $0-300 depending on chosen equipment and number of televisions plus a programming commitment contract.
- Purchase a standalone digital set-top box capable of receiving digital signals. (2008 government rebate program will contribute $40 towards the purchase) Cost: $200-300 less $40 government rebate.
- Purchase a new television with a built in digital tuner. Cost $200-5000 depending on model and features.
Cable companies are already anticipating the digital switchover and are attempting to wean their customers off analog service by switching certain channels or tiers over to all digital formats, forcing customers to purchase or lease the required digital set top box.
The FCC has mandated that all off the air broadcasts must in an all digital format by February 2009, at which time the old analog signals will be shut off. This of course means that analog televisions will require some type of set-top receiver in order to continue to receive local off the air broadcasts. Many newer high end television come with digital tuners built in, allowing reception of off the air digital broadcasts. Older analog televisions however will require a converter box to continue to receive their local programming.
The FCC has announced that beginning January 1, 2008 the federal government will offer each U.S. household two coupons worth $40 each to be used to purchased digital television converter boxes. There are an estimated 21 million households in the U.S. that rely on off the air broadcasts. This number has shrunk in recent years with the increase in local channel markets from satellite providers.
Many local television broadcasters already broadcast in digital in addition to their analog service. This is not to be confused with high definition, as not all digital broadcasts are in high definition, although some are. Some are digital standard definition, such as you would receive from a satellite provider, some are also broadcast in Enhanced Definition, which is a step up from standard definition, and some are in true High Definition.
One problem was clarified and a solution offered recently when the FCC approved rules to help ensure the 40 million + cablevision subscribers will still be able to receive programming via analog cable service after February 2009 until at least 2012. This means that cablevision customers can still continue to receive service through their cable though the wall connection.
The popularity of digital signals has proved to be less than expected so far, likely due in part to the current high cost of digital off the air tuner boxes, which still tend to be $200+. Complicating this is that many manufacturers have discontinued production of their standalone digital boxes due to lack of interest. Instead, most have concentrated on integrating the digital tuners into their new television models.
So this gives people several options, none of which come without cost;
- Switch to a satellite DTH provider such as Directv or Dish Network that offers your local channels. Cost: $0-300 depending on chosen equipment and number of televisions plus a programming commitment contract.
- Purchase a standalone digital set-top box capable of receiving digital signals. (2008 government rebate program will contribute $40 towards the purchase) Cost: $200-300 less $40 government rebate.
- Purchase a new television with a built in digital tuner. Cost $200-5000 depending on model and features.
Cable companies are already anticipating the digital switchover and are attempting to wean their customers off analog service by switching certain channels or tiers over to all digital formats, forcing customers to purchase or lease the required digital set top box.