We all know that television channels are switching from analog to digital (an FCC requirement), but what does that mean exactly? After researching and inquiring about this topic, here’s my take (feel free to add your input too).
Over-The-Air (OTA) television networks will begin broadcasting in digital formats – either standard definition or high definition – on or before June 12, 2009. Some have already done so, for example in Eugene channels KEZI (ABC), KVAL (CBS) and KMTR (NBC) are broadcasting OTA television in digital format.
Cable and satellite providers have to meet the same FCC requirement. Why? The answer according to the FCC Digital TV Consumer Facts is that it will “free up frequencies for public safety communications.”
For those that purchased Digital-to-Analog converter boxes (with or without the help of a government coupon), here is a helpful FCC Troubleshooting Guide. It is important to recognize that these converter boxes are only intended for analog TVs to be used with the new digital OTA formats.
The boxes do not have any other purpose. They are not to be used with computer TV tuner cards or as a go-between for signals from cable / satellite companies and your TV.
Part Two of “What’s all the confusion about Digital TV?” will be about setting up an in-home OTA antenna for receiving digital TV reception.
After June 12, 2009 we will all be experts, but until then we will learn as we go.
Photo credit: takomabibelot
No related posts.
{ 1 trackback }