Thursday, February 12, 2009

Digital TV conversion


On February 17, 2009 (legislation is pending to extend this date to June 12, 2009), U.S. broadcast television is switching from analog to digital signals. Analog televisions using an antenna will require a converter box to receive broadcast TV after that date. Every U.S. household can get up to two coupons--each with a code good for $40 off the cost of eligible converter boxes.

It must be emphasized this change to DTV affects you ONLY if you receive your TV signal off-the-air with an antenna. Cable TV users will have no changes. I fear that lots of perfectly good TVs are going to be thrown out by cable viewers.

If you receive your signal off-air, you have 2 choices... buy a TV with a digital tuner or buy a converter box to continue using your analog tuned TV. If you go the converter box route, and it only about $60 plus the government gives you a $40 rebate, a good box is the Zenith DTT901 and many online retailers e.g. Amazon process the rebate coupon when you order.

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