3 Months Until Broadcast TV Goes All Digital

[briv1016]

At midnight on February 17th 2009, all full powered over-the-air television broadcasters have to turn off there analog signals and broadcast only in digital formats. For most people, this is not a problem because they either have a TV with a digital tuner built-in or they are using Satellite/Cable. Here are a few links to help those who are affected.


Everything you ever wanted to know about Digital TV:
http://www.dtv.gov/
http://www.dtv.gov/publications.html
http://www.dtvanswers.com/
http://www.dtvtransition.org/

$40 coupon (limit of 2) for a Digital-to-Analog converter box:
https://www.dtv2009.gov/

Eligible converter boxes:
https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm

Consumer Report recommendations on converter boxes:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs-services/digital-tv-converter/ratings/dtv-converter-boxes-ratings.htm

Where to buy:
https://www.dtv2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx

Antenna recommendations for those who need to upgrade there old “bunny ears”:
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
http://www.tvfool.com/

FCC Videos on the DTV Transition: (Recommend 4 part “DTV Consumer Education Videos”)
http://www.dtv.gov/video_audio.html

CEA video on the DTV transition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re_zirX84xI

Consumer Reports video on the DTV transition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XJzPIaXzF8

Bloomberg TV video on the DTV transition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nRqTnICVpY

Slightly cheesy but very informative 4 part video on the DTV transition:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=820uDfOZTXY
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rye5H-2sPYI
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJXktGGgXgo
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH4E1jfVkxg

Two very cheesy videos on how to hookup your converter box straight to the TV and how to hook it up through a VCR/DVD recorder: (And no, it’s not me on the videos.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYgS33W-RWA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5yLDd_hYiM

And just for fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTSS8E7bKXg



Important Notes/Tips

1) Most digital broadcasts use an “Ultra High Frequency” signal which can not be received by classical “bunny ears.” In order to pick up “UHF” signals you will need either a multi-directional antenna with an “UHF loop” or a directional antenna.

2) $40 coupons expire 90 days after issuing. If you’ve already maxed out with two coupons and one or both expire, you CAN NOT apply for a renewal. At that point you should ask a friend or family member to apply for you. Obviously you should also do this if you need more then two converter boxes.

3) “Low-Power” and “Class-A” stations are not required to transition to digital signals at this time. If you would like to be able to receive stations still broadcasting in analog after the conversion; you will need to buy a converter box with “analog pass-through” or hook up your converter box in a special way. A manual is available here.
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterbox-analog-digital.html (HTML)
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterbox-analog-digital.pdf (PDF)
(Newer TVs with built-in digital tuners also have a built-in analog tuner; they will be able to receive these analog stations now and after the conversion.)

4) Consumer Report found that if your TV has a RCA input, (R/Y/W or Y/W if your TV only has mono sound) you should use a RCA cable between the converter box and your TV instead of a classical RF coaxial cable for better picture and sound. Also, it is recommended that you use the shortest cables possible throughout the entire Antenna/Converter Box/TV setup to minimize noise and reduction in signal strength.

5) For more information about how one specific station is going to be affected by the DTV transition, go to that local stations website (for example, WNET or KLCS instead of simply PBS) and see if they have a page dedicated to the DTV transition.

6) Many stations are changing there digital signal’s frequency, strength and tower location before and after the February 17th transition. Be sure to periodically re-scan for channels on your converter box. (Preferably once a week.) At the minimum you should re-scan the day after the transition and a week or two after that.

[KamaAina]

1. 2 months out here

you can't make this stuff up: they have to hurry up and move the transmitter site on Maui so as not to interfere with a bird's nesting season on Haleakala! So, they moved the date up to Jan. 15.

I certainly hope no one out here ends up missing local boy Barack's Inauguration!

edit: spelling; date

[EstimatedProphet]

5. What's wrong with protecting a bird's nesting season?

[MilesColtrane]

2. I'm using a digital convertor and an indoor amplified antenna.

The station I have the most problem receiving transmits its digital signal in the VHF spectrum.

With digital signals I've noticed problems with reception when planes or helicopters fly over also. Very finicky.

[Tom Kitten]

3. I hooked up my converter box last week

The pictures are great but I'll need a new antennae. I still have problems getting the KOIN (the CBS station). What's great is now I get 4 PBS stations (plus NPR)instead of one. What's not so great is I get 5 Trinity Broadcast Network stations instead of one. Plus four Ion Network stations (one religious) and none of the Spanish stations.

[briv1016]

4. Kick

:kick: