Analog TV Cutoff Date Finalized
Thursday December 22, 2005
Congress has set Wednesday, February, 17th, 2009 as the official date when all analog over-the-air television transmissions are to stop. For those consumers that still own and operate an analog television for receiving over-the-air broadcasts at that time, they will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box. In households where more than one analog television may be use, a separate converter box would be required for each set to receive digital signals. There are provisions for a "subsidy" to defray the cost of these boxes, which is available to all consumers, regardless of income. However, those consumers that receive all of their television programming via cable or satellite will not be affected, as converter boxes are already required to receive most cable and all satellite programming. For more details on this important story, check out the report from Herald Today/Associated Press<.
Comments
Your statement of no impact to cable subscribers is absolutely FALSE. I have had cable for 38 years and NEVER had a converter or set-top box. You do a disservice to your readers with such BAD information. Every TV, VCR, TIVO, PC etc with only an NTSC tuner will be instantly obsolete!
Thank you for your comments, however, my information is correct, as things stand currently.
The analog TV cutoff date only applies to OVER-THE-AIR television broadcasts and stations – it does not apply to cable or satellite.
Cable companies can still provide both analog and digital signals as they do now for their subscribers, with or without a cable box requirement as they are doing now.
Cable companies already have the ability to convert digital satellite feeds (the way they receive most of their programming) or digital over-the-air broadcast feeds at both the central office level or cable box level.
All cable boxes have the ability to provide an analog output (RF connection – NTSC standard) for connection to any TV.
With regards to cable subscribers that do not have a need for a box for basic analog cable – the cable companies are not required to discontinue this service, unless they wish to – in which case, you may eventually have use a cable box – however, this trend is going forward anyway, irrespective of the analog over-the-air TV cutoff date and is not a goverment requirement as is the analog OVER-THE-AIR cutoff date.
To find out more information, I would touch base with the TECH support services of your local cable company later this year or next, to see what their specific plan is.
Remember – any changes that the cable companies make to the way they deliver television programming to your home is their decision – it is not affected by government regulation, such as the February 17, 2009 analog over-the-air cutoff date – the only thing the Federal government actually controls, with regards to cable TV is what cable operators are allowed to charge for basic cable rates and if they have to carry local broadcast channels on their system (must carry rules).
Local and State governments can control rates on a local level as well as approve or dis-approve cable service franchise agreements.
Let me know if this clarifies this issue for you.
Robert Silva
hometheater.guide@about.com
http://hometheater.about.om
About.com is a part of the New York Times Company
In your article you stated that a “subsidy” will be available for those of us who reliy on over the air analog brodcasts (I don’t get/ want, satalite or cable). When/how can we take advantage of this “subsidy” What equipment do I need to receive a digital signal and convert it to analog for my TV? Will it require a major investment? When I talk to an electronics supplier what do I ask for and how do I keep from being sold something I don’t need or want?
Thanks
Thank you
The answer to your questions are included in the following articles, one by me, and other by Neil Petty via the About.com Guide for TV/Video site:
February 17, 2009 – Analog Television Broadcasting Gets Turned Off ( my article)
http://hometheater.about.com/od/televisions/qt/feb172009date.htm
Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program
http://tv.about.com/od/hdtv/a/DTVboxprogram.htm
Let me know if this info helps, or if you need further clarification.
Robert Silva
Guide to Home Theater
http://hometheater.about.com
Become an About.com Guide: http://beaguide.about.com
About.com is part of the New York Times Company