2009 Digital TV Conversion – What to Expect

At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. If you're reading this please do the following: PANIC, BUY CANNED FOODS, AND SELL EVERYTHING YOU HAVE AND CASH IT IN FOR GOLD. Just kidding! (Although there are some fabulous pieces currently available from the Everyday Gold Collection) Though it sounds like Y2K all over again-don't sweat it. Most likely you will not even notice the analog signals going black next year, even if you don't have an HDTV. The conversion will only affect a small percentage of the population. You see, only those people who rely on an antenna to receive the analog signal are affected, those that get programming from a cable or satellite provider should not even notice the change.

The lingo can be confusing and intimidating so lets try and sort it out. All televisions prior to 1998 had analog tuners built into them. The resolution of these, think quality of the picture, is what is known as standard definition. Between 1998 and 2004, High Definition televisions started appearing. These televisions were capable of displaying a much better picture, however the majority of them still had the same old analog tuners, relying on an outside source (like cable) to deliver the HD programming. After 2004 the vast majority of HDTVs had built-in digital tuners, capable of receiving the new signals that will be broadcast in 2009. So as you can see it can be difficult to determine what exactly you have in your living room. You will have to determine if you have a digital tuner or analog tuner, the best way to do this is to find your manual or if that is not an option, your manufacturer's website will almost certainly have information on your model. You are looking for the letters ATSC, that is the acronym for the new digital broadcasting standard and will allow you to pick up the new signals. Again, this is really only important if you are trying to pick up free television through an antenna.

Now there are some misconceptions floating out there of what this means for people that do receive analog terrestrial (over the air with an antenna) television. The big one is no your tv will not blow-up or otherwise be rendered useless by the new digital signals-although that would be really freaking cool! In order to continue receiving free television on your old set you will need to get a converter box or subscribe to cable/satellite service. The good news is the government is giving 2 vouchers per household worth $40 each to purchase the converter boxes. No, the converter boxes don’t come with a prize inside and the vouchers are not good for cheese, milk or that new Kenny Chesney CD. But seriously, to find out how to get your converter and other useful information regarding the changeover check out this link (http://www.hsn.com/digital-tv-conversion_at-207_xa.aspx). Another big misconception is that these converters will put High Definition content onto your old set, sorry there's no shortcut to HDTV. The boxes will merely translate the new signal into a form that your old set can display, the same standard definition you have always been watching. The only way to take advantage of the new resolution is to get with the 21st century and get yourself an HDTV.

Picking which HDTV is right for you is a whole 'nother ball 'o wax and something I will cover in a future post. For now just know that if you are on a cable/satellite service you are ready for the transition to digital, regardless of your television. If you are getting TV through an antenna on an old set, be sure to get your converter voucher or come 2/17/09 you'll suddenly find a new passion for reading. Of course as a tech geek, I recommend going out and getting a new HDTV and take advantage of the best technology has to offer. Until next time, stay tuned...