No More Analog TV's After 2009 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

tanquant · 11-27-2007, 10:48 AM

I don't know if this has already been said but I just saw the commercial. After 2009 you will need either satellite or cable to watch tv because the rabbit antennas won't work.

I have cable tv but I think it's wrong to force someone to have it.Not everyone can afford cable or satellite especially those on a fixed income such as senior citizens. http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/03/30/la...tv-transition/

Lawmakers still committed to 2009 digital TV transition
Posted Mar 30th 2007 7:02PM by Richard Keller
Filed under: Industry, PVR Wire, Video

Folks, I hope that you're working on either buying a new digital television or are at least considering purchasing a box to convert your TV signals to digital, because the deadline for transitioning to this new technology is nearing and Congress isn't changing its mind. According to lawmakers in the House of Representatives, February 19, 2009 is still the deadline for the complete transition to digital TV. And, since it's coming from the United States government you know that it's for real!

Of course, there is the issue that the American public has no idea what the government is talking about. According to an article in the Washington Times only forty percent of us know that we are transitioning to digital TV, with a bare three percent knowing about the 2009 deadline. So, what to do? Well, there is the $1 billion (!) initiative by Congress that will provide forty dollar coupons to consumers so they can purchase a converter box that will turn their analog signals to digital. Then there's the $5 million digital education plan that was passed last year, which the current Congressional leadership thinks is woefully inadequate.

However, the real education for the estimated 70 million households still using analog TVs (you Luddites!) is going to need to be performed by the broadcasting, cable, electronic and retail industries, whose lives depend on it. Think about it, if there isn't a concerted effort to let everyone know about this analog-to-digital switch there are going to be a lot of dark television screens come February 19th. When that happens, people will actually start talking to each other and spending more time outdoors. Then, when they feel that it's too hot or too cold they'll realize it's a result of Global Warming and make a public push to eliminate greenhouse gases, which will make Earth a better place to live. Dry lake beds will fill with water, deserts will be green again, Christmas will be snowy, and everyone will be at peace.

Scary thoughts, huh? So, I'd start saving for that 37-inch flat-screen HDTV right now if I were you.

Tags: digital television, DigitalTelevision, House of REpresentatives, HouseOfRepresentatives, Washington Times, WashingtonTimes

TripperFan · 11-27-2007, 12:55 PM

It was bound to come sooner or later. Same thing happened to us when cassettes replaced vinyl albums, then CDs replaced cassettes, and now CDs are being replaced with MP3s

That's progress for ya!

One thing though, the price of digital cable and satellites are bound to come down drastically within the next couple of years as the competition builds.

James"Thunder"Early · 11-27-2007, 01:28 PM

I don't really think it's fair because it doesn't give customers a choice. I think this is a case of government making rules that go to far.

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-27-2007, 02:16 PM

what will happen to all our Amalog station's in 2009

TripperFan · 11-27-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobiedoo30

what will happen to all our Amalog station's in 2009

They will be automatically converted to digital at that time.

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-27-2007, 02:33 PM

The only Local Affiliate I do not get in High Definition WVUE FOX 8 and that is because The Station was in the middle of being Sold befor Hurricane Katrina Hit my state and WVUE TV FOX 8 is still has not been sold at this time.

Corolla · 11-27-2007, 03:00 PM

Thankfully I switched to satellite TV a few years ago.

Wait... does this even apply in Canada?

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-27-2007, 03:06 PM

I hope that WVUE FOX 8 is sold soon so we will beable to get WVUE FOX 8 in High Definition.

TripperFan · 11-27-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~NeonFire372~

Thankfully I switched to satellite TV a few years ago.

Wait... does this even apply in Canada?

Yes it does - both Canada and the U.S.. Like you, we've been on satellite (several types actually) for years and have a high def t.v. already so we'll be fine.

I can see it hurting some low & fixed income families at first maybe, but I'm sure it'll work the same as the example I gave for records, etc. above.

It does give you superior clarity for sure. I can't stand regular cable now (spoiled)!!

Corolla · 11-27-2007, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

Yes it does - both Canada and the U.S.. Like you, we've been on satellite (several types actually) for years and have a high def t.v. already so we'll be fine.

I can see it hurting some low & fixed income families at first maybe, but I'm sure it'll work the same as the example I gave for records, etc. above.

It does give you superior clarity for sure. I can't stand regular cable now (spoiled)!!

So analog cable will be discontinued too? I know probably 5/4000 people around here that actually have digital cable or satellite. Everyone else is on basic cable.

TripperFan · 11-27-2007, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~NeonFire372~

So analog cable will be discontinued too? I know probably 5/4000 people around here that actually have digital cable or satellite. Everyone else is on basic cable.

Oh I know - especially out your way.

I think I heard that the cable companies will allow you to trade in your current box for a digital one - probably at little or no extra cost. However, I think you're t.v. has to be digital ready also. Wish my husband were around, he's knows it all about this topic (drove me nuts with it for about a year too !

)

I am Roboto · 11-27-2007, 03:19 PM

'tis about time. This frees up the analog broadcast spectrum for emergency broadcasts as well as wireless broadband providers.

Ireneparalegal · 11-27-2007, 03:22 PM

I don't know abt the fees for cable services going down. I thought that several years ago when our county acquired two more cable service companies. We thought, hey this should cut fees and give us flexibility to choose who we wanted for cable services. Then with the addition of satellite services and so forth, I thought that would help too. NOPE. Not in the least. The fees remain high. Just because you have more options, doesn't necessarily mean it will lower the cost of something.

Corolla · 11-27-2007, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

Oh I know - especially out your way.

I think I heard that the cable companies will allow you to trade in your current box for a digital one - probably at little or no extra cost. However, I think you're t.v. has to be digital ready also. Wish my husband were around, he's knows it all about this topic (drove me nuts with it for about a year too !

)

Whoa...

"Out my way"? Newfoundland isn't in the stone age.

Scoobiedoo30 · 11-27-2007, 03:27 PM

I have already upgraded to High Definition

11-27-2007, 10:48 AM	#1
tanquant Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 13, 2003 Posts: 864	No More Analog TV's After 2009 I don't know if this has already been said but I just saw the commercial. After 2009 you will need either satellite or cable to watch tv because the rabbit antennas won't work. I have cable tv but I think it's wrong to force someone to have it.Not everyone can afford cable or satellite especially those on a fixed income such as senior citizens. http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/03/30/la...tv-transition/ Lawmakers still committed to 2009 digital TV transition Posted Mar 30th 2007 7:02PM by Richard Keller Filed under: Industry, PVR Wire, Video Folks, I hope that you're working on either buying a new digital television or are at least considering purchasing a box to convert your TV signals to digital, because the deadline for transitioning to this new technology is nearing and Congress isn't changing its mind. According to lawmakers in the House of Representatives, February 19, 2009 is still the deadline for the complete transition to digital TV. And, since it's coming from the United States government you know that it's for real! Of course, there is the issue that the American public has no idea what the government is talking about. According to an article in the Washington Times only forty percent of us know that we are transitioning to digital TV, with a bare three percent knowing about the 2009 deadline. So, what to do? Well, there is the $1 billion (!) initiative by Congress that will provide forty dollar coupons to consumers so they can purchase a converter box that will turn their analog signals to digital. Then there's the $5 million digital education plan that was passed last year, which the current Congressional leadership thinks is woefully inadequate. However, the real education for the estimated 70 million households still using analog TVs (you Luddites!) is going to need to be performed by the broadcasting, cable, electronic and retail industries, whose lives depend on it. Think about it, if there isn't a concerted effort to let everyone know about this analog-to-digital switch there are going to be a lot of dark television screens come February 19th. When that happens, people will actually start talking to each other and spending more time outdoors. Then, when they feel that it's too hot or too cold they'll realize it's a result of Global Warming and make a public push to eliminate greenhouse gases, which will make Earth a better place to live. Dry lake beds will fill with water, deserts will be green again, Christmas will be snowy, and everyone will be at peace. Scary thoughts, huh? So, I'd start saving for that 37-inch flat-screen HDTV right now if I were you. Tags: digital television, DigitalTelevision, House of REpresentatives, HouseOfRepresentatives, Washington Times, WashingtonTimes

11-27-2007, 12:55 PM	#2
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	It was bound to come sooner or later. Same thing happened to us when cassettes replaced vinyl albums, then CDs replaced cassettes, and now CDs are being replaced with MP3s That's progress for ya! One thing though, the price of digital cable and satellites are bound to come down drastically within the next couple of years as the competition builds.
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

11-27-2007, 01:28 PM	#3
James"Thunder"Early Whoever's In New England Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 7,088	I don't really think it's fair because it doesn't give customers a choice. I think this is a case of government making rules that go to far.
	__________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub! You better pray you get the last laugh, it's a kick in the teeth when you don't get it.

11-27-2007, 02:16 PM	#4
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	what will happen to all our Amalog station's in 2009
	__________________ Who Dat

11-27-2007, 03:19 PM	#12
I am Roboto wtfmate Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 17, 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,224	'tis about time. This frees up the analog broadcast spectrum for emergency broadcasts as well as wireless broadband providers.
	__________________ Chris.

11-27-2007, 02:33 PM	#6
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	The only Local Affiliate I do not get in High Definition WVUE FOX 8 and that is because The Station was in the middle of being Sold befor Hurricane Katrina Hit my state and WVUE TV FOX 8 is still has not been sold at this time.

11-27-2007, 03:00 PM	#7
Corolla Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2006 Location: Owen Sound, ON Posts: 2,376	Thankfully I switched to satellite TV a few years ago. Wait... does this even apply in Canada?

11-27-2007, 03:06 PM	#8
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I hope that WVUE FOX 8 is sold soon so we will beable to get WVUE FOX 8 in High Definition.

11-27-2007, 03:22 PM	#13
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I don't know abt the fees for cable services going down. I thought that several years ago when our county acquired two more cable service companies. We thought, hey this should cut fees and give us flexibility to choose who we wanted for cable services. Then with the addition of satellite services and so forth, I thought that would help too. NOPE. Not in the least. The fees remain high. Just because you have more options, doesn't necessarily mean it will lower the cost of something.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

11-27-2007, 03:27 PM	#15
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I have already upgraded to High Definition