HDTV is shouting at our entry and you’ll have to let it in! Will you be in the dark February 17, 2009? Better read on! March 1, 2007 Any component that has an analog TV tuner must also include a digital tuner.

By Feb 17, 2009 A governance authorisation requires that all full-power TV stations stop broadcasting analog signals and switch to 100% digital broadcasting by THIS DATE! This shift will primarily alter nearly 15-20 million TV viewers who rely on local over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna.

Viewers who purchase to cable or satellite TV shouldn’t undergo any occurrences in those services. If needful, your Cable or Dish provider will render a digital set-top box that will work with your TV.

For continued broadcasting after the 2009 cutoff, all of you out there with your old-fashioned TVs (analog-only tuners) will need to be linked to a digital-to-analog converter box, or replaced by a new HDTV with a built-in digital tuner. As of now these converter boxes will sell for between $50 and $70.

These will be accessible to the public very soon! If you opt out for the “stand alone” device box don’t be mistaken that you will have a high definition signal, you will be receiving a digital signal alright but like the boxes title, it’s converting it back to analog!

Also if you currently subscribe to DIRECTV or DISH, your HD satellite receiver will most likely include an over-the-air HD tuner to get your localised HDTV stations. Let me add something to this tho’… most all your Cable and Satellite companies will charge you more (ordinarily around $10/month more) to get your localized High def signals via there receiver!

If you select this route and your ok with $10 fee your prompt to go! Your other choice?… Acquire your own over-the-air (OTA) HDTV antenna and pocket the $120/year! The antenna is cheap and actually you will get a nicer picture than via your cable or Dish provider’s box!

When you get your Hi def signal via your own hd antenna your are getting a (pure) 100% digital uncompressed signal! Receiving your signal through a Dish/Cable provider causes the HD communication to get compressed (squeezed smaller) in order for your provider to carry along with all the other channels their providing you!

Hdtv is fast approaching but it’s ok. Having the noesis of the options you possess to decide upon will make it effortless to open the door!




By: Jim Williams