|
|
|
Nervous about the switch to Digital TV?
I haven't heard anything recently about the deadline for conversion to HDTV. Nor have I heard anything about the converter boxes. These will supposedly be available to people who subscribe to neither cable nor satellite. These boxes were supposed to be affordable HD tuners that receive over-the-air signals. They convert the signal so people won’t have to purchase new televisions.
Will digital-to-analog television signal converters be available prior to the transition to digital broadcasts? The FCC’s Web site says digital-to-analog converters will become available. There’s even supposed to be a discount program for the converters. Right now, there are no digital-to-analog converters available from reputable makers.
There appears to be a lot of confusion over the switch to digital television. That’s because the government hasn’t done enough to educate the public. For those who haven’t heard about the transition, let me fill you in. In February 2009, all television broadcasts will go digital. You need a digital television or an analog television with a digital conversion box. Otherwise, you won’t be able to receive over-the-air television signals. Period. These conversion issues only apply to people who use an antenna. If you have cable or satellite, don't worry. Your provider will supply a converter. The first question confuses digital television (DTV) and high-definition television (HDTV). It is true that all HDTVs will receive digital signals. But not all digital signals are HDTV. So, hooking up a digital conversion box to a standard-definition set won’t give you HDTV. The box will just allow you to receive digital broadcasts. The government is planning a program to help people with the transition. It will offer coupons that will help offset the cost of the converter boxes. Of course, a coupon to help defray the cost is no good if you can’t find a converter. And converters are slow coming. So far, I’ve only seen one: RCA’s DTA800 ($60). But trust me, we’ll be seeing more in the coming year. They should be widely available before the transition date. For more on the transition to digital television, click here. It includes information on the FCC’s coupon program for the converter boxes. |
