What will happen when we convert to HDTV

[AndreL]

Will we all need the convertion top boxes to watch tv or will some channels still broadcast analong tv. Will you need a top box to watch tv or will you still be able to watch some tv with out the converting to HDTV or buying a converstion box.

Please when you post to answer my question please supply some urls so I can go to them and print'em up and laugh in my friends face to prove to him that hdtv is coming and to watch tv you'll need an top box if you still have analog tv.

[guns1inger]

It is not so much HDTV, but digital television broadcasting in general - be-it HF or SD. Yes, you will need either a settop box, or cable or a TV with built-in digital tuner.

Here is Australia analogue broadcasts were scheduled to cease at the end of 2008. This has been pushed back to 2009-10, but when it happens, only digital broadcasting will remain. I believe that it will be the same in the US, although I don't know the schedule there.

[jman98]

In theory, there will be no more analog TV transmission in the USA on Feb. 17, 2009. See
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2006-10-24-hdtv_x.htm
However, this date has been pushed back before after the FCC swore it wouldn't be. I won't be surprised at all if next year somebody cries to Congress and they push it back to 2010. There are very vague plans for Congress to subsidize the cost of conversion boxes, but I think it's also possible that next year Congress will have an "Oh crap!" moment where they realize that nobody is prepared for this and they'll extend the deadline again.

If the switchover really happens on schedule, there will be no more TV watching without a converter box.

[rcguy1]

After many years of anticipation, the end of conventional analog broadcasting now appears to be set for February 17, 2009: after that date, all broadcasts will be digital and you will need a converter box (expected to cost around $60.00). This is according to Scientific American, February 2007. www.sciam.com

[Duchess]

In the UK it will be phased in over a period of time. See:

http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/dig_switchover/wtdigswitchover_home.html

As you will see the first region to shut down will be next year and all will be gone by the end of 2012.

[gshelley61]

The short answer is if you currently receive your local TV stations using an indoor or roof antenna (not with cable or satellite service), then after the FEB 2009 analog shutdown you will need an ATSC digital tuner (a set top box or a new TV with a built in ATSC tuner) to continue watching free over-the-air TV.

All new TV's over 27" being manufactured for the US market (not just HDTV's, but standard definition TV's as well) already must have the ATSC tuner built in. Also, there are DVD/VHS combo units and DVD recorders coming to the market starting this year that will have the ATSC tuner built in and can be used to watch digital TV signals on a traditional TV.

If you have cable or satellite service and get your local TV stations that way, the digital change should not affect you at all.

[AndreL]

I like ashelley61 answer but what if you have standard cable and don't have a atsc tunner just a plain old analog ntsc tv tuner. Will you still be able to pick up channels or will the cable co supply you with the top box after the conversion.

[gshelley61]

I like ashelley61 answer but what if you have standard cable and don't have a atsc tunner just a plain old analog ntsc tv tuner. Will you still be able to pick up channels or will the cable co supply you with the top box after the conversion.

That is a question for your cable company.

[oldandinthe way]

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