How to prepare for Digital TV in 2009 quik start
In February 2009, the way that traditional television stations have broadcast their signal will change from analog to digital. Paid television subscribers, like those with cable tv, will not be impacted by this change. Rabbit ear users who pick up television signal through the air will be impacted.
The following quick start guide will tell you what you need to do if you or someone that you know, like your grandmother, as in my case, is impacted by this.
- Get the coupon. $40 maximum 2 per household
- Buy a converter at one of the following locations
- BSAT offers digital converters online for $56 with free shipping
- Best Buy offers a $59 unit and accepts the coupons only in the store.
UPDATED 1/26/2009
The date for the digital tv transition has been changed from 2/17/2009 to 6/12/2009
Updated 2/1/2009
The Senate voted to change the date but not the house so it remains unchanged.
UPDATED 2/7/2009
The date for the digital tv transition has been changed from 2/17/2009 to 6/12/2009
quick faq:
UPDATED 5/11/2008
What about the Rabbit Ears? = Get rid of those old rabbit ears, you wont need them for television anymore.
What about the Rabbit Ears? = You will need to connect an antenna to your converter to pick up the digital signal. Depending upon your location your current rabbit ears may work. More on antenna’s here.
What happened to the analog signal / Airwaves ? = This signal travels over a slice of air known as the 700Mhz spectrum. Starting on 1/24/2008 and as of the time of this post, this slice of air is being auctioned off.
What about the rabbit ears that I have that pick up OTA HDTV? Will those stop working too?
Whats up Tim? Your OTA (over the air) HDTV (high def Television) rabbit ears should not be impacted by this change.
This post targets analog signal users. That digital signal currently being transmitted to you OTA HDTV is not on the spectrum thats being retired.
Here is a good article on OTA HTDV and how to set it up.
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