The US Digital TV Switchover
February 17, 2009
That's the day that many American TVs will stop working. Or so some say.
This lens gives solid, and reliable information about the much anticipated switch to High Definition Digital Broadcast Television across the US.
(Personally, I can't wait!)
(US DTV is February 17, 2009)
DTV Lens Table of Contents
Wikipedia: Digital TV
DTV
Digital television (DTV) is the sending and receiving of moving images and sound by discrete (digital) signals, in contrast to the analog signals used by analog TV. Introduced in the late 1990s, this technology appealed to the television broadcasting business and consumer electronics industries because it offers new financial opportunities.
Digital television is more flexible and efficient than analog television (f.i. it can increase the maximum number of channels by more than 100% in a cable distribution method). When properly used by broadcasters and distributors, digital television can allow higher-quality images, sound, and more programming choices than analog does.
The first country to make a wholesale switch to Digital Over-the-Air (terrestrial) broadcasting was the Netherlands, in 2006. This was
followed by Finland in 2007.
Digital Television and Home: Satellite, Cable and Over-the-air, G. Dudek, 2008, pp. 48-49, ISBN 9780980991505.
After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations in the USA will broadcast in digital only. In Canada, this is scheduled to happen Aug. 31, 2011.
China is scheduled to switch in 2015.
While the majority of the viewers of over-the-air broadcasting in the USA watch full-power stations (which number about 1800), there are three other categories of TV stations in the USA: ?low-power? stations, ?Class A? stations, and ?TV translator? stations. There is presently no deadline for these stations, about 7100 in number, to convert to digital broadcasting.
DTV Converter Example
DTV Lens
Lasonic LTA-260 ATSC Digital to Analog TV Converter Box
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2008)
List Price: $69.99
The first impression I had, was that the unit is so small! I pictured a VCR size box but it was about a 1/3 of the size. So it will not clog up your space. On the down size the remote is also very small, almost palm size and this would be easily lost in my home. The buttons on the remote were also hard to push and very cheaply made.
Set up was easy although the manual must have been translated to English but can be understood. The programming was simple and the channel scan found about 50% more stations than I received with the antennae alone.
The picture is VERY clear and as good as when I had digital cable. The on screen channel information is an added bonus.
Release Date: 12/31/1969
DTV Lens Links
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US Digital Television Switchover
DTV Switch Lens
Here is some places to go for help on the upcoming US switch from analog TV to Digital TV.www.dtv2009.gov - Through March 2009, the US government will be issuing $40 vouchers (while supplies last) towards the purchase of the set top digital to analog converters for those with traditional analog TVs and without cable or other service.
www.dtv.gov - DTV related consumer resources, outreach tools, publications, news, and more can be found here.
www.digitaltips.org - A valuable resource provided by the Consumer Electronics Association, has a handy "Quick Start Guide" to install a TV Converter Box and other useful tools.
www.dtvanswers.com - DTV Answers offers more information about television's switch to digital, including resources to help choose an antenna, converter box details, videos, and more.
www.ceretailers.org - Visit the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition and download a special "Consumer Guide" on the DTV Transition.
www.dtvtransition.org - Take an online quiz to find out if you are ready for the DTV Transition or access an extensive list of online DTV resources.
www.getreadyfordigitaltv.com - Useful information and television spots brought to you by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.
www.ncta.com - The National Cable & Telecommunications Association website.
www.lptvanswers.com - A helpful resource on low-power television stations. Find low-power stations in your area and download a guide to low-power issues.
(from dtv2009.gov)
DTV on Amazon
DTV Lens
Samsung LN19A450 19-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, Black
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/04/2008)
List Price: $399.99
Used Price:
Color and contrast are spot-on. Adjusting the variable backlight, brightness, and contrast controls yields perhaps the best picture quality I've seen from non-BluRay DVD.
There are 3 picture pre-sets-Dynamic for viewing in a bright room, Standard for normal viewing, and Movie for watching in a darkened room. Sound quality and quantity are perfectly adequate. Vertical and horizontal viewing angles are relatively generous. While there is not an over-abundance of inputs-one HDMI, one S-Video, a single set of component and composite, and a pc input for use with a computer, that's typical for smaller-screen TVs.
When I purchased this TV, there were no reviews available online, so I was prepared to return it if it didn't meet my tastes or needs. But it has greatly exceeded my expectations. For viewing from a distance of 3-5 feet it's perfect.
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Creating graphics for our DTV readiness test today.
DTV transition presentation. I really hope this doesn't impact all the tvs in my school.
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