If you're like most people, you're probably wondering what is going to happen to your TV's and your TV service when the DTV 2009 Digital Conversion kicks in February 19th 2009. Well, guess what? You're not alone.
It really comes down to some basic and easy to understand concepts.
What it means: Starting this Feb., cable will no longer be available directly from the outlet in your wall directly to your TV. Why? Because the Federal Government, for emergency services, is taking over the analog signals that cable companies use to transmit TV signals to their customers.
So, that means that if you currently have analog cable, meaning NOT Digital Cable Converter boxes on your TV's, your service will be shut off. If you would like to stay with cable, you may apply for up to 2 vouchers ($40 ea.) from the cable company for Digital Converter boxes. In many areas, only low income residents will be able to receive the vouchers for 2 Digital Converter boxes. To have cable service on more than 2 TV's, you will be required to buy your own Digital Converter boxes for each TV.
Also, when considering if you're going to stick with cable, be sure to find out what their Digital Cable prices are for all of your TV's. I've seen commercials, and have spoken to people that say "My cable company says that I will be fine if I stay with them when Feb. 2009 comes around." WARNING: There's a lot more to it than that. Let me ask you this. Do you have Digital Cable? If the answer is "yes", let me ask you another question. Do you have Digital Converter boxes on ALL of your TV's? Or, maybe just one or two. How much will it cost you to buy Converter boxes? Just be sure to check out the prices for Digital Cable on ALL TV's. It may surprise you. Also, do you know how to program a Digital Converter box to work on your TV? You'll need to learn, or guess what? You can pay the cable guy to come out and program your TV's to your new Digital Converter boxes. So, when the cable company says you'll be "fine", just remember, they still run commercials that say that Satellite TV charges extra for LOCAL Channels. ( That hasn't been the case for over 5 years)
People ask: "Will I have to go out and buy a Digital TV?"
Answer: If you're getting your TV signal with rabbit ears, and you haven't purchased a new TV in the last 5 years, chances are (about 99%) that you WILL have to buy a Digital TV. Why? Because even off-air analog (rabbit ear) signals are being taken over by the government, too. So, to even get a signal from an antenna, you will need to have a Digital TV.
Now, some good news: Satellite TV service has been 100% All-Digital for 15 years. So, no one has ever had to go out and buy a new TV just to get Digital Satellite TV service. And, unlike cable, Satellite TV service does not CONVERT a poor signal into a Digital signal, they use Digital Receivers. Meaning, the signal is pure Digital.
More good news: With both DISH Network and DirecTV, the equipment and installation for up to 4 TV's is 100% FREE. Pretty cool, huh? You can even compare DISH Network and DirecTV to see who's the better value.
Chris Lamb is a 10 year veteran of the Satellite TV industry with in-depth knowledge of DirecTV, DISH Network, local cable companies, and the DTV 2009 Digital Conversion. http://www.SatelliteTvQuote.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Lamb
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