I'm often asked about the impending Analog to Digital switch coming soon, more so now that the US Government has started the advertising as their date draws near.
The switch will affect far less people that many think, and many who are sure they need to buy new hardware will not need anything.
First off, the dates: In the United States, analog broadcasts will cease in February, 2009. In Canada, total digital start on August 31, 2011. Thankfully, we Canadians have a chance to see the US work out the bugs before we make that leap.
Some basic information from the federal governments can be found
here for Americans, and
here for Canadians.
The big question, of course, is "what does this mean to me?"
Here are the basic answers to the questions I get asked the most:
Q: Does this mean all TV will be HDTV?
A: No. While we will continue to see more and more HDTV channels, digital does not equal HDTV. We will continue to see many 'standard definition' TV shows.
Q: Does this mean I need to get a new TV?
A: No. Even if you have an analog TV, you will be able to purchase a digital converter at a reasonable cost to make your analog TV work just fine. Without the converter, if you have an analog TV, it will no longer work.
Many people may use this as the perfect excuse to get a new TV. If you are among those, consider waiting until a few months after the conversion, when the purchases slow and TVs drop in price. Also, be aware of what you are buying -- an HDTV will not display HDTV without additional hardware.
Q: What? Digital TV? How do I know if I have that?
A: First look at the back of your TV and/or in the owners' manual. It will tell you if it's a digital or analog tuner. If it says "ATSC tuner", that's digital; if it says "NTSC tuner", that's analog. However, be wary of references to "digital-ready", "HD ready", etc, or even if your TV is widescreen, it does NOT mean it's a digital tuner. Check and be sure.
Q: Whew... OK, I'll look... so what if it's analog?
A: You have a few options. If you are on satalite, you already have a digital converter, which is your receiver, so you are fine. If you are on cable, and have a cable box, that's a digital converter too. If you are on cable or watch over-the-air AND have an analog TV, you'll need something.
Q: Sigh... what's THAT going to cost me?
A: Not that much. In the US, the government has provided the
Converter Box Coupon Program, offering a coupon to Americans for $40, and has guaranteed that a converter at that price is available. The coupon program and advertising campaign is in full swing. Better converters with other options are available for an increase in cost.
In Canada, converter boxes are not mass available yet, but we have time on our side. It's anticipated that boxes will retain for less than $100, but no similar coupon program has been announced as of yet.
One thing to keep in mind is competition among satelite and cable companies. Satelite companies are expecting a mass migration to their services, and cable companies are sure to combat that. Converter boxes, or digital boxes/receivers may become a negotiation tool for companies to get/retain services. Costs could come to nothing with a contract, similar to how satelite companies have discounted hardware for years along with contracts, much like cell phone companies do with cell phones.
Q: Why are they doing this?
A: There are a few reasons, but one of the biggest... too many TV stations and cell phones. This move will free up Radio Frequency bands in a very crowded market.
Q: What do I do now?
A: That depends on where you live, but no matter where you are, be wary. Many people are falling prey to scams and misinformation and are purchasing things they just don't need. Because many people think they need to toss their old TVs and buy new ones, or need expensive HDTV sets because their old STV sets no longer will work, and are spending thousands of dollars unneccisarily. Be informed, and know what you need and what you don't. Remember too that any TV will continue to work with DVD players, VHS players,
Call your program provider. If you are on satelite or cable, call the company and ask them. Find out if your TV is digital or analog, and know what that means. Ask questions. Be prepared.
In the US, the government has done an admirable job at trying to inform, and to make the program work for all citizens. I expect the Canadian government will do much the same, as their time draws near. For Americans, the time apporaches quickly; Canadians have time to wait.
Hopefully this helps clear up some confusion, and feel free to continue to ask questions.
