Make the transition to Digital TV seemlessly:
The digital transition is coming at midnight on June 12, 2009. If you don't understand your options by June 12, 2009 you'll have been left behind for discounts, coupons and government support to help you meet the requirements to keep watching your television uninterrupted. Changing analog to digital will be one of the most simple yet confusing times for many elderly and technically challenged folks out there. But this lens will help guide you to what you can do now to be ready for the digital transition.
Important
TV converter boxes are available in retail stores.
Who the transition will affect:
If you currently watch TV on an analog TV set that is not connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service. If you own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a pay TV service, you will likely continue to receive TV programming as usual after the transition.
What is the digital television transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.
Your options:
broadcast industry's consumer education campaign on the digital television (DTV) transition YouTube vid
DTV Transition from Wikipedia
The digital television transition (also called the digital switchover (DSO) or analog switchoff (ASO), sometimes analog sunset) is the process in which analog television broadcasting is converted to and replaced by digital television. This primarily involves both TV stations and over-the-air viewers; however it also involves content providers like TV networks, and cable TV conversion to digital cable.
The scale of the transition can vary: at one extreme, a small, low-power transmitter can be con...
Digital Television Transition Poll
Elgible Converter Boxes on Amazon
All eligible converter boxes are certified by the NTIA to meet Federal Coupon Program requirements.
Insignia NS-DXA1 Digital to Analog TV Tuner Converter Box for Regular TV Sets
Amazon Price: (as of 11/11/2009) 
Do I need to buy an HDTV?
Some degree of confusion exists when discussing Digital Television (DTV) versus High-definition Television (HDTV). Both have "DTV" in their respective acronyms, but they don't mean the same thing. HDTV is, in fact, a subset of digital television. HDTV is only 720p and 1080i in the US. Digital television simply means that the TV signal is broadcast in digital format, but the actual resolution can vary from 480i to 480p to 720p to 1080i. Only 720p and 1080i qualify as high-definition television.
Buy a Digital Television from Amazon
PC Magazines Editors Choice Awarded Digital Television
NEC 42-Inch HD Plasma TV (PX-42XM5A)
The NEC 42" offers the best picture quality of any 42-inch plasma TV we have seen to date. But its premium price doesn't include many extras, the remote is near-useless in the dark, and to get the most out of it you'll need to have it professionally calibrated.
Pros
Exceptional image quality. Comprehensive display control options.
Cons
Remote lacks backlight. No extras bundled in. Pricey.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/11/2009)
Analog Television vs. Digital Television
Do you think the digital television transition will disrupt television viewing habits?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLooks like it!
bmph8ter says:
I think it will for some people. With the cliff effect (digital is either on or off) some folks won't have as many channels as they used to. That will suck. Have all you guys ordered your coupons/converter boxes yet? There are lots of good reviews coming out now; like the consumer reports best digital TV converter box. We (the wife and I) actually picked up the Philco unit about 2 weeks ago. I'm really pleased with it so far although all of our local stations haven't switched yet.
Posted June 26, 2008
Groundswell says:
Why even take the chance? Wise man says, "better to deal with the problem before it becomes a problem".
Posted January 02, 2008
No Chance! We're hooked!
olirom says:
Nah. Most people will grumble, but will make the necessary change. Just like switching to color TV.
Posted January 03, 2008
Consumer's Guide to Digital Television YouTube vid
presented by the Consumer Electronic Association (CEA)
Get Digital, Get DIRECTV from Amazon
1 Room DIRECTV System (Lease)
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2 Room DIRECTV System (Lease)
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3 Room DIRECTV System (Lease)
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4 Room DIRECTV System (Lease)
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Get Your TV Converter Box Coupons
- TV Converter Program DTV2009.gov
- The Program allows American households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. A TV connected to cable, satellite, or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.
More about the digital TV transition, options, apply for your free coupons, locate a converter box retailer near you and check out the most frequently asked questions. - DTVTransition.org
- Developed by the DTV Transition Coalition, DTVtransition.org is a resource for consumers to facilitate the 2009 transition from analog to digital television. The site features a glossary of terms, answers to frequently asked questions regarding digital television and links to additional resources an
Digital Telvision (DTV) available on Amazon
Initial DTV-262 26-Inch HD-Ready LCD TV/DVD Combo , Silver
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Amazon Price: $582.44 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $1,199.00
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Feedback:
What do you think about the digital telvision transition, your thoughts, feelings...
motorpurrr wrote...
Hi! This is a very nice lens. We lucked out with out direct TV. I'm wondering what's going to happen to portable TV makers and TVs in RVs?
Posted January 29, 2009
by ethanmeadow
I am here for business, networking, and making new friends. Please add me to your networks, groups and other social networking networks. I am also int...
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