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The Big Switch To Digital Television

By allison 12 June 2009 6 Comments

Today is the day. Broadcast television stations in the United States will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. What exactly does this mean and how will it affect you?

What is Analog Television? Is the current conventional  technology that has been around for 50 years.

What is Digital Television? Digital television is an advanced technology for broadcasting television that included High-definition Television (HDTV), Standard Definition Television (SDTV), and other technologies.

Why are we going from analog to digital?

  • To free up broadcasting space and allow room for public safety services and advanced wireless services.
  • Improved picture and sound quality

How much will it cost? Nothing if you already have digital TV. If you have a TV with an antenna or rabbit ears you will need a Digital to Analog Converter Box.

How much is the converter box? All US households are eligible for two $40 coupons that will help with the cost of the converter box. For more details on how to obtain coupons click here.

Do I need to go out and purchase a digital TV? No.  If you have an analog TV with an antenna or rabbit ears you can purchase a converter box. This converter box will allow your analog TV to display digital broadcasts.

What are the benefits? You should notice better sound and picture quality along with additional channels.

Read more!

6 Comments »

  • rick said:

    We have had this in Australia for a year or so running in tandem with analogue transmissions. You can really tell which is which. Digital is so crisp and good viewing. The set top box was expensive at first but they are now around the $40 mark.

    Rick

    # 12 January 2009 at 6:39 pm
  • allison (author) said:

    Rick, I like the digital look. I agree, it is crisper. Did you get a discount coupon for the box in Australia?

    # 13 January 2009 at 9:47 am
  • mark said:

    If you have an older TV but get your channels through a cable or satellite service instead of using an antenna, then you do not need the converter box and should be fine.

    # 15 January 2009 at 9:34 am
  • TUMISI said:

    Ijust dont like this whole thing of changing system But with this one of digitallook,analog system we will be able to reach the unreachable.

    # 22 January 2009 at 5:13 am
  • TUMISI said:

    Its fantastic becuase you dont have to throw away your OLD TV OR CURRENT ONE. just connect and abel to watch it again.GOOD STUFF

    # 22 January 2009 at 5:22 am
  • montemendoza said:

    I hooked up my digital converter to one of my TVs about two months ago. I now receive more channels than I did before. The picture and sound quality are GREAT even with my rabbit ear antenna. I still have one more Zenith TV to hook up to a converter. I bought two Insignia converters from Best Buy, and used two coupons for $40 off each converter box. I think the Insignia brand is excellent.

    # 11 May 2009 at 1:24 pm

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