Posted to Televisions Articles 2009-04-14
What Do I Need to Get High Definition?
On June 12, 2009, all US broadcasters will stop transmitting analog signals. For those who have televisions without a built-in tuner and who receive their programming over the air, this means that their television will go blank until they either purchase a new television or a converter box.
The transition is being made to free up the radio spectrum currently occupied by television broadcasts. Digital broadcasts use much less bandwidth than do analog broadcasts and allow stations to "simulcast" several lineups. For instance, if you formerly had a channel 5 in your local market, with digital you'll likely have a channel 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3. Each version carries different programming.
Digital signals also provide higher quality pictures and audio than do analog signals, despite the lesser bandwidth usage.
Most television stations are already broadcasting in digital. The perpetuation of their analog signal is the only reason people with analog televisions are still able to receive the stations. The deadline was extended from an original late February date to allow viewers to prepare for the transition. Come June, these analog signals will go off the air for good.
If one doesn't wish to upgrade to a digital television, a converter box may be purchased. These devices usually run between $40 and $90 US. The US government has instituted a program where coupons are being distributed for free to households that provide $40 toward the purchase of a digital to analog converter. Each household may receive two coupons. Each television will need its own converter box.
This only affects customers who receive their signals with a rabbit ears or rooftop antenna. Those who subscribe to subscription services such as cable and satellite will not be affected by the transition. The transition will not affect the working of any accessories such as VCR's, DVD players, etc.
Most television sets purchased within the last five years will receive digital signals without a converter box. In fact, if you receive your television over rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna, you're probably already enjoying the expanded channel selection and higher quality video and audio.
You won't need to purchase a new antenna. Rabbit ears and rooftop antennas will still function just as they always have. Only the televisions themselves need to be equipped with technology to allow digital reception.
If you've been putting off upgrading your television, the end of analog signals is a good reason to go ahead and do it. Buying a converter box will work fine as a stop-gap measure, but one will still be receiving broadcasts in analog quality and missing out on the advanced features that digital broadcasts offer.
Some High Definition Televisions...
Hitachi P50T501
: 50" High Definition Plasma Flat Panel Television
Panasonic TH-65PZ750U
: 65" High Definition Plasma Television
Sony KDL40XBR4
: 40" HIgh Defintion LCD Bravia Television
