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No Analog TV After February 2009Free Government Coupon for Analog Television Conversion to DTV
If you are still using rabbit ear or antennae television, then you will no longer be able to view programs after February 17, 2009 - unless you purchase a converter box.
The United States government mandated that all programs be broadcast in digital rather than analog moving into 2009. Currently television shows are broadcast simultaneously in both analog and digital. After February 17, analog signals will be cancelled. Some readers may think that EVERYONE subscribes to paid television programming; however, the FCC estimates that approximately 14% of US households view over the air (non-paid - analog) programming. This would equal around 15.5 million households. Why Are We Losing Analog TV Signals?Broadcasting both types of signals (digital and analog) takes up more band space. Think of a rainbow. Currently, we’re using two stripes rather than one. The dual transmission has been in place to allow time for consumers to transitional over to the newer products; however, the plan has always been to eliminate the analog transmission. Eliminating the older analog signals will open up space for other communication. For example, the extra transmission space can be used by groups offering public services like police departments, fire departments, and rescue groups. The open space will also open more doors for companies wanting to sell wireless services like broadband internet. In addition, digital signals are superior in a variety of ways. Digital signals support high definition television with clearer images (although digital will work fine with non-HDTV products). Digital signals also allow stations to carry multiple programs on a single signal channel. For instance, a single channel can be split with 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 and provide more options for viewers. That’s Fine – But I Can’t Afford a New TV!Government officials do understand that some consumers can’t afford to get rid of older televisions and can’t or don’t want to invest in cable or other paid television programming. Do not rush out and buy a new television. That’s not necessary. If you subscribe to a paid television service, you likely will not notice the transition. Your cable (or other signal receiver through satellite, AT&T, Verizon etc) will handle the processing. Paid television services will be required to carry the major network signals. There are some questions about the smaller, niche programs and about multicast programs through local stations (more than one program aired on the same basic channel). It has not yet been determined what and how much service providers will be tasked with providing. As far as viewers opting to view free programs only with antennas, it will be necessary to purchase analog converter boxes (DTV boxes). Since the analog signal will be cancelled, older TVs not connected to service providers (handling the conversion issues) will not receive programming without analog converter boxes. Get Your Free Government Coupon for Analog Conversion or DTV.It’s estimated that analog converter boxes will cost in the range of $40 to $70. Ouch! That could put a burden on those opting, for a variety of reasons, to keep older TVs and to view free televised programming. The government is offering $40 coupons for families viewing analog currently. The limit is two coupons per household. The coupons can be ordered currently; however, do note that they include a 90 day expiration. If you’re not ready to make your purchase, then wait to request your DTV coupon(s). Also, if you’re shopping for a analog converter box, be sure to check out the approved analog converter box list to be certain you buy the correct equipment for continued DTV television viewing.
The copyright of the article No Analog TV After February 2009 in Film/TV Industry is owned by Cyndi Allison. Permission to republish No Analog TV After February 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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