All About the Digital TV Converter and 2009
As of June 12, 2009, anyone in the USA using standard analog TV reception will need a digital TV converter to pick up the new DTV transmission. Learn more about DTV converters and the new digital TV signal here!
About the Transition to Digital TV
Nationwide (in the USA), per the US Government, all terrestrial broadcasting will switch over from current analog signals to its superior counterpart: DTV, or digital television, on June 12, 2009. This new signal offers better sound and picture possibilities, as well as possibilities for free new features and options. This decision has been heralded as the most significant improvement to television since the induction of color TV!
With this transition, of course, are growing pains. All current televisions that rely solely on analog signals will need this minor upgrade in order to receive the new digital broadcast - or face the consequences of no longer having a signal.
The trade off, however, is a better signal with less reception quirks!
With this transition, of course, are growing pains. All current televisions that rely solely on analog signals will need this minor upgrade in order to receive the new digital broadcast - or face the consequences of no longer having a signal.The trade off, however, is a better signal with less reception quirks!
Who will Need a Digital TV Converter?
If you don't have a cable or satellite connection, or a television set that has a built-in DTV receiver, you'll have to use a new digital TV converter in order to pick up a signal. (To see if your television set is DTV-ready, be sure to consult your users' manual!)
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What is a Digital TV Converter?
Digital TV converters are simple boxes that are used with your TV or HDTV. By connecting your antenna cable to the digital TV converter, and the converter to your TV, you'll be able to pick up the new DTV signal.With the usage of a DTV converter, even non HDTVs will seem more clear and crisp. You'll no longer see color lines, waves, static or other elements of "poor reception", as those days will be gone with the end of analog transmissions! However, signals can definitely break up. Thankfully, most digital TV converter boxes have "signal strength" indicators, that, let you easily find the optimal place to position your antenna.
Digital TV Converter Boxes
Digital TV converter boxes have made their way into the consumer market as of January 2008 - find a great deal on your converter, today!
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DTV and Antennas
A digital TV converter needs an antenna to pick up the DTV signal, much like your standard analog signal antenna. Modern design has done away with rabbit ears, and embraced more advantageous designs that reduce noise and signal corruption.As previously explained, a digital TV converter antenna connects directly to your converter. To find out what antenna you'll need, you will have to research your local area's broadcasting specifications. A special website has been made for this purpose, which maintained by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB): AntennaWeb - of course, you'll only have to do this if you plan on watching local digital channels, which are "hidden" unless you're using a digital TV antenna.
Do I Need A DTV Antenna with my DTV Converter Box?
In short, the answer is that you absolutely must have an antenna of some sort, or your TV will display a blue screen that says "NO SIGNAL!" With the move to the digital television signal, televisions will never again be able to be plugged into the wall and capable for immediate usage. You'll have to find a standard or DTV antenna to hook up to your digital TV converter box, which is hooked up to your television.
The only way this will ever change is if you subscribe to cable or satellite TV. Additionally, by replacing your television with an HDTV, you'll no longer need that digital TV converter box.
The only way this will ever change is if you subscribe to cable or satellite TV. Additionally, by replacing your television with an HDTV, you'll no longer need that digital TV converter box.
Passive vs. Amplified Antennas
These two kinds of DTV antennas determine what channels you'll be receiving. In general, Amplified antennas are better: they are capable of receiving channels better, as well as receiving more of them (in many cases). Passive antennas will pick up your standard UHF and VHF stations, as well as whatever DTV channels are in range.
Amplified antennas are generally more expensive than passive, sometimes double the price or more. If you simply want to keep watching your standard network TV stations and want to save money, stick with a Passive antenna. Otherwise, you might be interested to see what other free channels are available to you if a Passive antenna isn't picking up stations in your area.
Amplified antennas are generally more expensive than passive, sometimes double the price or more. If you simply want to keep watching your standard network TV stations and want to save money, stick with a Passive antenna. Otherwise, you might be interested to see what other free channels are available to you if a Passive antenna isn't picking up stations in your area.
Get a DTV ready Antenna
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