What Do You Need?

By Janelle Elizabeth



The FCC has set a final and non-extendible deadline for broadcasters to switch their signals from analog to digital format. After February 17, 2009, analog TV signals will no longer be aired by broadcast networks.



Satellite TV and digital cable TV subscribers will not be affected by the policy as they already receive digital broadcasts from their respective providers. Those who are currently receiving broadcast signals with the help of an off-air antenna or analog cable provider will definitely be affected by the transition.



In order to receive digital channels, a non-subscriber of Satellite and digital cable broadcasts may do any of the following:



* Replace an analog set with one that has a digital tuner or one that can receive digital signals. Don't panic though, there isn't any need to hurry out to purchase an expensive HDTV yet. You current set may have come equipped with a digital tuner.



* Obtain digital channels from a Satellite TV provider or from a digital cable provider. Current subscribers to satellite already have receivers which will change digital signals to a format recognized by analog television sets.



* Install a digital converter box. One may still use an analog television set by purchasing a digital converter box. The digital converter set-top box will process the digital signal it receives and convert it into analog format for a non-digital television.





A digital converter may cost anywhere from $50 to $100. To lessen the costs of switching, the U.S. government is offering rebate coupons of $40 for those who purchase digital converters.



Interested TV owners may now buy their digital converters at their favorite electronic outlets.



The change from analog to digital will be beneficial to both government and private sectors. The conversion to digital transmission will free up frequencies in the broadcast environment for more crucial uses.



End users will, on the other hand, enjoy the renowned digital audio and picture quality. Some viewers may immediately assume that all channels will be transmitted in the much coveted High Definition format. It will all depend on the set that receives the signal and the provider that delivers the signal. Digital TV may be in Standard Definition or in High Definition.



Regardless of the kind of definition one may eventually receive, what is certain is that digital TV will produce superior picture and audio quality that no analog broadcast can provide.



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