While cable and satellite TV have gone through many changes, the technology behind over the air television has remained remarkably unchanged for many decades. That lack of change is quickly coming to an end, and many television viewers will need to take action now to make sure they can still watch their favorite programs when 2009 rolls around.
That is because February 1, 2009 will usher in the age of digital television, or DTV, and those who are unprepared may suddenly find that they are no longer able to receive a television signal. As of February 1, 2009 all television signals will be digital instead of analog, and that means that those with analog televisions may need to purchase a digital converter box in order to receive uninterrupted television programming.
While time is quickly running short, there is still time for affected consumers to act, and those consumers affected by the change will have a number of choices at their disposal. From purchasing a digital converter box to upgrading to a new TV to subscribing to satellite or cable TV, there are many options for consumers to be aware of. Many big box electronics stores have already begun a campaign to educate their customers about the coming digital revolution, and there are many resources available for consumers who need to get up to speed quickly.
In a nutshell, the consumers who are most likely to be negatively impacted by the conversion to digital television are the ones with older televisions and no cable, satellite or other pay TV service. Those who currently receive their television signal via good old “rabbit ears” may need to upgrade their TV, subscribe to a pay TV service or obtain a digital converter box in order to receive a signal after February of 2009.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option. Each television viewer will have different needs and no one solution will be right for everyone, but it is important for every consumer to know their options in order to make an intelligent and informed decision.
Option #1 - New Television Technology
One option is simply to purchase a new television set that includes a built in digital tuner. As of now all televisions on store shelves are required to contain such a tuner, but it is always a good idea to ask the salespeople at the store to be sure. The owner’s manual should also contain information regarding the type of tuner built in to the unit.
One of the advantages of this approach, besides the allure of a new TV, is that it will eliminate the need for additional action. Since the tuner is built in to the unit, the digital conversion will not be an issue and the new TV will continue to function normally after the switch.
It is important to note that one need not purchase a flat panel, LCD or plasma television in order to get the needed digital tuner. Those with a more limited budget should be able to find many CRT televisions with integrated digital tuners, often for hundreds of dollars less than an LCD TV of comparable size.
The main drawback of this approach is that it can be a costly solution, especially compared to the expected $50-$70 cost of a digital converter box. Many television viewers own older sets that still perform quite well, and they may not be so keen to lay out hundreds of dollars to replace a perfectly good appliance. Fortunately those consumers have a number of other options at their disposal.
Option #2 - Subscribe to Cable, Satellite or Other Pay TV Services
For those on the fence about a cable or satellite subscription, the coming digital revolution may provide that final push. Indeed, cable, satellite and other pay TV providers are gearing up for an expected influx of new customers as the February 2009 deadline approaches, and for some this may be the right solution.
The advantages of subscribing to a pay TV service are many, and they include a more robust menu of choices, the ability to watch movies on demand, and the ability to more easily monitor and control the viewing habits of the children in the family. The main drawback, of course, is the cost, and many families will not welcome the addition of yet another large monthly bill.
Option #3 - Purchase a Digital Converter Box
Those television viewers who do not wish to purchase a new TV or a pay TV subscription have the option of purchasing a digital converter box which will transform the new digital transmission into analog form. This simple piece of equipment will allow owners of analog televisions to continue to view their favorite programs, all for an expected cost of $50 to $70 for each box.
The digital converter boxes are expected to be sold in a number of large electronic stores and other retailers starting sometime in the middle of February. After the units are received, consumers can purchase them and hook them up in order to be ready for the dawn of digital television.
To make the transition to digital television even easier, the government is providing consumers who need them with up to two $40 coupons per household. These special coupons can be used only toward the cost of a digital converter box, and they can be ordered through a dedicated toll free number at 1-888-DTV-2009. The coupons are expected to be mailed sometime in the middle of February, just in time for the arrival of the boxes at retail stores.
The major advantage of this last choice is that it is certainly the least costly option for receiving digital television signals. Assuming that the $40 coupon is applied, consumers could end up with a cost as low as $10 out of pocket. This will certainly be welcome news to consumers on fixed incomes and others who have been worried about how the new television format will affect their wallet as well as their TV.
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