Post by Rod Wood - When February 17, 2009 rolls around, U.S. television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals and send only digital transmissions. By law, stations like NewsChannel 9 must make the switch.
Here are some questions and answers about the transition:
Why is this happening?
- DTV has better picture and sound quality. Also, stopping the analog broadcasts will free up a huge amount of airwaves. The government has auctioned off some of them for use by wireless broadband and cell-phone TV.
Do you need a digital converter box?
- If you have cable or satellite TV, only extra sets that are not hooked up will be affected.
- If you get TV over the air, your TV might not work without a converter box.
- Most new TVs sold today, including flat-panel sets, have digital tuners and won't need a converter box, but double-check when buying.
How much do the converters cost?
- The converter boxes generally cost $50-$60, so the final cost is between $10 and $20 per box after the $40 coupons given out by the government. Go to
www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 to get up to two $40 coupons per household.
Click here for many more questions and answers about Digital Television (DTV).Click here to visit our DTV blog, where you can find more answers and ask your own questions.- information from the AP
