DTV 101--The switch to Digital Television: Part 2
DTV 101--The switch to Digital Television: Part 2 Save Email Print
Posted: 10:27 PM May 1, 2008
Last Updated: 11:52 PM May 1, 2008

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By now, you've probably heard of DTV, or digital television. It is the new way you will be receiving television signals, and the only way starting in February 2009.

Digital TV will bring you better picture and sound and more channel options.

One of those options is HDTV, or high-definition television.

This is more than 5 times as sharp as a current analog TV.

But before you take the economic stimulus check and head to the store to buy a set, here are some things you should know.

Almost all new digital televisions are HDTV or high-definition. True HD is a 16 by 9 ratio, which basically means the TV screen is rectangular rather than square.

Many of the networks primetime shows are broadcast in HD right now.

The picture is almost 3-dimensional and the audio is very enhanced.

You don't have to have cable or satellite to receive the local HDTV signals. In fact, one of these old rooftop antennas by be enough, depending on where you live. Indoor antennas can also work depending on where you live.

If you are ready to go out and buy a new digital TV, keep this in mind.

When shopping make sure the set has an ATSC tuner some sets are labeled as “HD Ready”—that means they don't have a tuner. Without the tuner you cannot pick up the high-definition signals off air. However, an HD-ready set will work with a cable or satellite receiver.

If you would like this information with video demonstrations you can click on the video link at the top of this article. If you want more information on digital television and high definition television in general, we have links available and a toll-free hotline to answer your questions if you just click on the Big Red Bar on the left of your screen.

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Posted by: fulmer on May 5, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Wow, what an upgrade! Money for the new antanne, money for the new dig tv set, and now i have half the channels-when they come in. I suppose if you're used to being spoiled rich you can't imagine living with a slightly grainy picture, but i get so many channels analog, and almost none-including WNDU come in digital because digital is all-or-nothing. Well, guess the satellite&cable companies attempt to strong arm us into their services won't work on me. I'm going with nothing. What's next? Outlawing dial-up because dsl is more expensive? digital isn't about making television better-it's about making more money for the few people already making money from television, and if it shafts the consumer in the process-so be it.

Posted by: Lori Location: Niles on May 2, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I have the converter box already, because I like PBS. However, I get terrible HD reception because my apartment walls are made of brick. I get poor cell phone reception also inside, so it's not surprising. Something to think about -- what building materials will interfere with your reception.

Posted by: Mike S. Location: St.Joe Mi on May 2, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I was sick of paying the ever increasing cable bill. It was $30 three years ago then Comcast took it over and after 2.1/2 years it was $55 for the same service. I bought an AMP for our antenna that is mounted on a 40' tower which was probably not used in 10 years. And we watched around a dozen channels of analog signal for over 6 months. Saving us over $250. Then when everyone started talking about the switch to DTV i got a little antsy and bought a DVD player with a built in ATSC tuner. Hooked it up to the existing coaxial cable from the antenna and now we get 13 very strong digital stations. Including 2 PBS stations for the geeks in us. If i were to upgrade - by putting a rotor on my tower - i would receive and additional 12 channels out of Chicago. The only caveat is unlike analog signals you can watch snow and still get the program with digital when the signal drops below 70% you get ZERO. P.S. The quality is better than standard cable and WAY better than analog


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