Digital TV .. some answers
THE TRANSITION IS CONFUSING:
The confusion stems from a lot of "mixing of terms". I won't attempt to get into the details of the TV switchover to all digital except for a few important notes and some helpful links.
AM I DIGITAL OR ANALOG? First, if you have cable or satellite, you are already receiving "digital" tv. Your satellite receiver "box" allows your set to view the satellite provider's digital signals. Cable operators have been converting analog to digital for many years, basically since "cable ready" televisions came into being.
You are really only adversely impacted by this switch if you receive ANALOG television signals over an antenna ... this would mean you generally only get the major networks and public tv. In Janesville/Beloit, you may be able to receive both Rockford and Madison analog signals with varying clarity.
The HD FACTOR:
HD (High Definition) is an enhanced digital signal. It cannot be received by analog tv without a converter. In most cases, satellite and cable providers offer HD - but at a premium price or add on.
TV programming will not necessarily broadcast everything in HD, even though they will be all digital. Purchasing a new TV Set with a built-in HD Tuner will allow you to receive HD Broadcasts over the air, as well as all local tv digital broadcasts.
So... if you have a pay TV service, contact them and ask how they will handle the transition.
If you still get your TV off air through an antenna, you'll need a converter.
There is an excellent site for answering questions and you can also apply for the converter box coupon. Check it out --
By the way... you may have heard talk about digital radio. Though the vote is still out on whether it will take hold - there are some stations experimenting with the technology. (And satellite radio is digital).
I'd be willing to discuss digital radio in a future blog if you like... just leave me a comment.
Aug 23, 2008 at 12:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Since conversion to digital will allow for more channels with in channels (84-01,84-02,101-01,102-02, etc.,) how will this effect the tv schedule reporting in the paper? I know the format will stay basically the same but with all the possible added channels within channels, so to speak, it could be confusing.
Aug 20, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Why then if we have cable tv, does Charter advertise converter boxes for an additional $5 so that we can receive the digital signal? I do not have one, and enjoy watching some of the local community channels. When they move, they are not able to be seen without "the box". I know this "box" is different from the one needed for the Feb'09 analog conversion, but why is Charter confusing the public with their latest campaign? To me, it appears as if the timing of the Charter channel moves, digital box push, and the lesser-related mandated Feb'09 analog change over are scaring people into up-sales of products and services they do not necessarily need. Too bad Charter could not mirror the actions of a cable provider I saw a commercial for while on vacation. A simple commercial telling it's CUSTOMERS that despite all the talk of converters for digital, if they could see the commercial he was speaking from, they already were watching a digital broadcast. They followed by saying there is nothing to worry about, and more importantly nothing additional to buy. What a difference from the tactics of our beloved Charter.
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