High Def Tv...Cable question?!?

[Army_of_One]

I'm dumb on this subject but I have a question. I have a high def tv but I don't have Hi Def because I refuse to pay extra for something they should be providing for free. The Gov't has mandated that all programing be Hi Def by '09. Why are they charging customers extra to have HD? In 09 when every channel is supposedly HD will they still charge more? Is this a scam or what?

[Tee]

The mandate is for all TV signals to be transmitted in an all-digital signal instead of analog. In addition, converters will be available for those wishing to utilize their old TV and opt not to upgrade .

Since cable and satellite are already transmitted in digital, this mainly affects over-the-air transmissions, since both your cable and satellite providers already furnish you with a digital to analog converter.

Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.

While it does mean that HDTV and other features will be more prominant, it does not mean that HDTV will be required or mandated at that time.

[Army_of_One]

Originally Posted by Tee

The mandate is for all TV signals to be transmitted in an all-digital signal instead of analog. In addition, converters will be available for those wishing to utilize their old TV and opt not to upgrade .

Since cable and satellite are already transmitted in digital, this mainly affects over-the-air transmissions, since both your cable and satellite providers already furnish you with a digital to analog converter.

Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.

While it does mean that HDTV and other features will be more prominant, it does not mean that HDTV will be required or mandated at that time.

Ok so then HD is not mandated. It's just a special feature that you have to pay extra for. Thanks for the information.

[jeezeweeze]

You guys got me curious. I had been hearing that in 2009 all signals will be digital. So that means the analogs will need a converter.....right ?????

[Sherry_Giskie]

Originally Posted by Tee

Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue).

Aren't there BILLIONS of airwaves/frequencies out there? I don't understand how forcing this "converter" on those people who want their old televisions will free up many more than there already are! It makes me wonder what's going to be going on with those things once the "public" is off of them. It's a bit scary to me!

[Made in the USA]

It's just like cell phones went through in the past few years. All analog (which seemed to work great everywhere out here) was discontinued, and everyone was forced to change to digital!

By the way Army, I heard them say on KWCH TV the other night that reception over the airways via regular antennae, would be in HDTV---thus no extra charge. They mentioned going to their website for more information.

[unicorn]

DTV Answers : What you need to know about the February 17, 2009 switch to DTV.

If you follow the links from this website, you will find most of the answers you need. I visited with Rick at Radio Shack and found out that antenna (which is free!!) is the best way to get your digital signal. There is a link from this website where you can plug in your address and it will tell you what stations are available (both digital and analog). There was good information on how to purchase an antenna and how to position it for best reception.

[Tee]

I have digital capable TV in my RV.

When we go to Cedar Bluff lake, I am able to pickup about 7 digital channels out of Hays that other people with standard TV's cannot get.
They are as clear as they can be too.

Digital really will be a good thing.

[Kodiak]

Also going digital screws up onstar. Wonder what fix GM will have with all the millions of subscribers to that service once they shut off there analog.

[gunnar1073]

And tv going digital frees up that frequency for other enterprises like mobile phones and internet providers to utilize otherwise occupied frequencies for their own use.