Any tech-savvy person out there? If digital tv is already being broadcast

annunakigohome

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Wed Oct-15-08 04:30 PM
Original message

Any tech-savvy person out there? If digital tv is already being broadcast

and analog is airing at the same time, why couldn't we continue to do it? Why is there this deadline of Feb. 17th? I was pricing converter boxes at Best Buy and asked this question to the man by the door. I said it sounded like a scam and he replied: "It is."

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LeftyMom

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Wed Oct-15-08 04:33 PM
Response to Original message

1. Because analog takes up a lot of spectrum that could be better used for other stuff.

:shrug:

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annunakigohome

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Wed Oct-15-08 04:36 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. Thanks for that! I was thinking it was a money thing...One more question:

If I have an analog tv and get the box, will I be able to watch those digital channels? I thought I read something that said that I won't be able to.

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LeftyMom

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Wed Oct-15-08 04:42 PM
Response to Reply #2

3. You'll probably get more channels.

I know most of our locals have several digital channels available. Our PBS affiliate has three for example: their regular broadcast, a second one with more nature programming and less childrens' stuff, and a spanish language channel.

I think you may be confusing digital and HD. You may get a slight picture improvement watching digital broadcasts, but you'll still be limited by the quality of your television. Other than perhaps an increased number of channels and a sharper picture (unless you're on the edge of the viewing area, in which case you might lose some channels) you shouldn't really notice any difference in your TV experience from analog to digital.

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annunakigohome

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Wed Oct-15-08 04:50 PM
Response to Reply #3

4. I was wondering about the extra channels, which are already being broadcast

and PBS is one where they have a couple of other digital channels. I am not so much thinking about quality of picture (which relates to getting a high def tv, I know) but whether or not I will get more channels, which would persuade me to even get the damn box in the first place. I plan to quit tv anyhow, so it's a temporary thing.

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mockmonkey

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Wed Oct-15-08 06:40 PM
Response to Reply #1

5. You're right

"The committee is readying legislation expected this year that would require all American televisions to run on digital signals by the end of 2008. That would free up the analog, or 700 MHz, spectrum for other uses such as broadband services and communications for emergency workers."

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-143688.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnn

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