Analog TV is Over

As of February 19, 2009 analog TV as we know it will cease to exist. The federal government has mandated that all TV broadcasters switch their broadcasts to digital on that date. Does this mean you will have to get a new digital TV? Will your analog television set work at all? Or is there a converter box that will allow me to continue watching my old TV? To answer these questions, let me first say that the change will not affect most Americans. For many people the change over is already taking place in the sense that digital TV sales are increasing every day. Many people are taking the plunge and bringing home HD flat screen TVs in either LCD or Plasma form. But at the same time they are moving the old TV to the bedroom or den. So the question remains, will they be able to continue watching the old TV or will they have to set it on the curb with trash.

For most people who move into flat screen TV they will probably be subscribing to an HD delivery company such as cable or satellite service . For people who do have either cable or satellite , the change over will have absolutely no affect on them. These systems are taking a digital signal and converting it to a format that is usable by either type of TV whether it is analog or digital. However, HD TV, or High Definition TV, is digital only. To view a High Definition picture you must have a digital TV. Also, it must be a High Definition TV, and you will need High Defition service, such as satellite or cable.

However, if you still receive a TV signal using an antenna or rabbit ears, you will be unable to continue watching your TV after February 19, 2009, without a basic digital-to-analog converter box that will convert the signal into a usable format for your TV, or you will need a new digital TV. If you want to continue to receive your television signal via an antenna, you will need to invest in a Digital TV Converter Box. The cost of a digital converter box can vary widely, but a basic converter starts at about $60. For more on Digital TV Converter Boxes, see www.digitaltvchangeover.com/dtv-converter-box.php. For information on obtaining a converter box discount coupon, see www.digitaltvchangeover.com/dtv-converter-box-coupon-program.php

A new digital TV can cost as little as $150 but range upward to several thousand dollars depending on the features. One feature that is adding significantly to the cost of some TVs is High Definition ability, or HD. Not all digital TVs are HD capable. You have probably seen the new HD TVs at stores like Costco and Sam's Club or other television retailers around town. Most HD TVs come in one of two formats, either LCD or Plasma. There is much discussion and disagreement on which is better. For the most part it comes down to personal preference.

All TVs manufactured today are mandated to be digital ready. If you bought a TV after March 2007, it most likely has a digital tuner. But if you bought a TV before that and it is not digital, you're probably hoping you can continue to use it. After all, its not that old. In that case you'll have to look into a converter box. On the other hand, this just might be the excuse you need to finally get that new flat screen HD TV you've had you eye on.

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