Analogue to Digital...
What's behind the February 2009 switch to digital broadcasting? Here's the scoop!
Since 911 emergency agencies have been challenged to come up with a better means of communication. In 2005 they did! The analogue channels you watch your television programs with will do nicely...for them and, coinkydinkly, for the television makers across the land who will undoubtedly benefit from the confusion this change is causing. Quite simply, the plan is to put all emergency services on the analogue channels so they can chat about murder and mayhem while the rest of us watch TV and get even more pleasantly plump.
If your set is analogue (picture rabbit-ears and/or metal coat-hanger antenna's) you're going to be needing a converter box - unless you already have cable service to your televisions (and if you do, go ahead and take down those metal thingys). If not, get your coupon and save a few bucks on this one...and get the coupon as soon as possible 'cause some experts are claiming there won't be enough to go around to the many television sets in people's homes across the land.
How do you get one?
Go to http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html read as much as you're interested in reading, or just click the big RED button on the upper right side of their screen and order a coupon for EACH (assuming you've limited yourself to TWO) set(s) in your humble abode/house/space/condo/apartment/hovel/cardboard box/corn field, whatever. The big RED button link will take you here (a secure site) https://www.dtv2009.gov/ to place your orders. Don't get all panicky, you can call the good folks too: Call for coupons:1-888-388-20091-888-DTV-2009
PLEASE NOTE: THESE COUPONS WILL EXPIRE AFTER NINETY (90) DAYS!
Okay, now let's address the big question here:
Do I need to buy an HDTV or a Plasma Big-screen TV? NO! ... And if you aren't a movie buff, or gamer, this television my not be right for you anyway; it's okay to say no (snicker).
There are some extra costs related to HD that you should know about before grabbing up that beautiful new piece of electronic wizardry. This should give you an idea:
Here's the fine print on Cox Communications website advertising the glories of HDTV services they provide - for a series of fees.
"Available to residential customers in Cox areas. Cox Basic service required for local HD channels. Cox Digital Cable and Expanded required for expanded HD channels. Digital Cable and paid subscription to Digital HBO, Starz, Showtime or a Cox Digital service level required for HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Starz HD, Showtime HD or other digital channels’ HD programming. An HDTV receiver or CableCard and an HDTV set required." Cox Communications
http://www.cox.com/DigitalCable/hdtv/ (Most definitely not an endorsement from me.)
Or you can have your HD in a dish:
https://www.dishpronto.com/ordernow.asp (Provided for information; certainly not an endorsement here either.)
***If you buy one of the wide-screen variety of televisions, you should be aware that most channels still broadcast in standard format, therefore, whenever you try to watch regular shows, your viewing screen will be reduced significantly by black bars all around (which can quickly turn your new 26" into a handy 13"), or you'll have to stretch the show to fit your screen which may cause unpleasant distortion, and constant whining from the resident peanut gallery.
This site will show you the breakdown of the aspect ratios more specifically. http://nwfolk.com/hdtv.html
So, now you know the whole scoop about the "new and improved" digital television and you can breathe easy, right? You get to keep your old television set no matter what! ...Lucky devil!
...I know, I know, I still want to get this "Sharp Aquos 65" LC65D64U 1080p LCD HDTV" http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Video_Conferencing/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1303861 for my sweet hubby, I'm just afraid to call the number to find out how much it will cost me!
Have a Great Day Folks
