In February of 2009, a tremendous change will occur in the world of television. This could prove to be the biggest change that has occurred in the world of television in the last fifty years, due to the fact that all viewers will be affected in one way or another. The change will involve the conversion of all television broadcasts to all-digital programming. At that time television stations across the United States will cease broadcasting the traditional analog signals that have dominated television production since its inception and will instead broadcast only in digital format.

As the time nears for the switch, many consumers have become confused regarding whether high definition or HDTV is the same thing as all-digital broadcasting. While they may sound somewhat similar, they are not actually the same. Much of the confusion seems to stem from the fact that DTV is used to refer to digital television. HDTV is used to refer to high-definition television.

HDTV or high-definition television refers to a type of high-quality broadcasting. This terminology is also used to refer to the class of television that is required in order to watch HDTV broadcasts. When the switch is made to digital only broadcasting in February of 2009; there will not actually be any change made regarding HDTV. Even after analog broadcasting ends in February of 2009, there will still be many television programs that will be broadcast in standard definition. The change will not allow consumers to begin automatically receiving and viewing HDTV broadcasts.

Consumers will be able to receive improved pictures with standard definition digital broadcasts due to the fact that digital transmissions are simply better than analog transmissions.

If you are interested in receiving the benefits of high-definition television programming; however, you will need to invest in a television with high-definition capabilities. Currently, there are a few television networks that broadcast high-definition prime-time programs. In addition, numerous satellite programs are also broadcast using high-definition. Currently Direct TV is setting the standard with HD programming. Their Direct TV HD package has the capacity to serve up to 150 national HD channels. Next in line is the Dish Network with only 70.

Unless you have a television that is relatively new and already has a digital tuner, you will need to obtain a converter box in order to watch standard broadcasts following the change to digital programming in 2009. If you are a satellite subscriber, you will generally not be affected by the conversion. Due to the fact that the countdown to the conversion is less than one year away converters are already available and on the market. The cost for most converters usually runs about $60; however, households are eligible to receive two $40 coupons from the government to assist in defraying the cost of purchasing converters.

If you are interested in viewing high-definition television programming, you will still need to ensure that your television is high-definition capable. When HDTV was first introduced prices are much higher than they are today. As the technology as become more standard, prices have become much more affordable. HDTV capable televisions provide you with the ability to watch HDTV programming in crystal clear clarity.

Since TVs introduction of color nothing has been bigger since the transition from Analog to digital TV broadcasts. Digital television is now a major subject to the government and all your local coffee shops with the upcoming transition from analog to digital TV. Inching each day closer to the deadline you will not be able to escape the digital hype.

Even though that in early 2007 congress mandated that all television’s created must have a digital tuner, many people still may require to buy a analog to digital converter box. Because most people who own a television still have televisions that are not digital and do not have a digital tuner. Even though the majority have cable or satellite TV, most still use rabbit ears to get local channels and sporting events. Even some of the cable companies in selected areas still broadcast in analog.

So does this mean that you need to hop in the car and run to the store? Not exactly, because you need to verify a few things before you do so. First you need to determine if you have a digital feed from a satellite or cable box. If you do not use rabbit ears and get it through satellite then you will not need a digital to analog converter box. A digital tv converter is only needed if you do not use satellite or cable that has a digital feed. If your using free television through an antenna then you will need to purchase yourself a digital tv converter box.

Now the question is how much this is going to cost and is the government going to help out. The answer is that yes the government will help out with rebates. You can go online and search for several sites that will discuss the rebate process in more detail. But with the deadline nearing more and more stores are now starting to carry digital tv converter boxes. The Analog to Digital converter boxes will range from 30 to over a 100 dollars depending on the features that it has. Also as the date closes in the demand will increase leaving it hard to find the cheaper version available as stock runs out.

You can also find analog to digital tv converters online through many stores. One recommended store is a analog to digital tv converter store which is an auction based store allowing you to find them for as low as 10 dollars. You can also find many other sites just by searching the terms on the web.

I’m sure that you’ve done this - looked at the bills that have come in for the month and realized that you’re paying a lot for your home entertainment. The charge for access to your satellite TV channels comes in each month and you’re happy to pay since it’s the only way that you can access such programs? Right?

Well it’s not the only way that you can enjoy TV channels and programs in your home or even when you’re out and about. Now that you can enjoy watching news and other content on your cellular phone, why should you not be able to enjoy access to other content at home too?

It is possible! What you’re looking for is the ability to view TV programs on your computer or laptop at home. If you’ve got an internet connection it’s possible to access thousands of TV channels from the comfort of your own home, from the comfort of any room or even places that you’d not normally think of watching TV from…imagine being able to watch anything from anywhere in your home. If your computer or laptop works there you can watch TV stations there.

No longer do you have to pay for access each month, but for a single purchase of a good quality TV software package you can keep accessing content for as long as you want and never have to pay more for the experience. Access new channels and programs each month and not have to subscribe or pay more.

What you’re looking for is the best quality package to access this exciting new medium, but it’s a difficult job finding something that is good, that does what it claims and also that requires not more hardware for your home.

We’ve gone looking and found what we think is the best product for you in this area. If you were looking you’d have the same checklist that we had:

1. Access to thousands of channels
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If you’re ready to enjoy the best features of TV and the new digital world then this is the sort of product that you’re looking for. We’ve done the hard work and reviewed the products and given you the choice of the best products in the market.

Congress has made it compulsory to convert your analog television sets into a digital one by February 17 2009. You can use a digital TV converter with your analog TV and become a digital TV convert on your own without hiring any external help.

US congress and the FCC passed their decision to government, which will be put into action on February 17 2009. According to the plan all broadcasting on TV channels done via analog transmission will come to an end in 2009 February. And, if you want to watch television continuously, either you have to get digital TV converter boxes or digital converter cable for your analog TV sets

Digital conversion of the television broadcast implies that the analog transmissions that have been in use since long for TV will become digital completely and people having old TV sets will not be able to access TV transmissions or the on-air broadcast. Digital TV converter boxes ensures the better quality of sound and picture delivered in your analog TV set also it enables the multiple programming facility to your TV set

It has been stated in the commission’s digital tuner rule as of March 1 2007 all new television sets that are manufactured must have digital tuner incorporated in them. Manufacture and import of any analog device is stopped unless it has digital tuner converter along with it. Since, all the transmission and broadcast of analog device would be stopped on February 17 2009 it is advisable that consumers should either buy new tv sets or a digital signal converter to get access to their favorite channels.

The consumers who have been using antennas to get on-air transmission have to get digital to analog set top converter boxes which will enable the transmission on their TV sets. These converter boxes receive the digital signals being aired and convert then to analog on your old TV sets.

Soon, everyone who watches TV will need to have access to digital TV. It won’t even be a choice. If you don’t have a digital TV, and aren’t interested in purchasing one in the near future, why not consider getting digital TV on your PC? It’s fast, easy, convenient and a great entertainment option.

Did you know that all it takes is simply downloading software onto your computer and you can be watching digital TV on your PC immediately? It’s true. It’s not like cable or satellite where you have to be concerned about a technician coming to your house. You do this when it is convenient for you, because you do it from your computer. No appointments necessary, or waiting all day to make sure you don’t miss the service person. It doesn’t get any more convenient than that.

The other thing that you should know is that the software that you download really does do the complete job. You will not have to read through any manuals or decipher any confusing instructions to figure out how to install a dish, or an antenna, or a de-scrambler, or a TV card. Your computer is all of the equipment that you will need.

Some worry that the location that they live in may not allow them to set up such a service. Unlike cable and other similar services, all that you are required to have is an Internet connection to enjoy digital TV on your PC. It doesn’t matter what area you live in, or whether or not any types of cables or the like already exist where you live. With your PC and with your Internet connection, you do your download, and you’re good to go.

An additional feature of having digital TV on your PC is the digital radio stations that you will have access too. Just like the various satellite radio stations available today, you too can enjoy shows from around the world once you install this on your computer.

As you can see, there are many reasons to go this route - financial, convenience, service, etc. It pays to try this option for digital TV viewing. By having digital TV on your PC you will be ready for the upcoming changes that everyone else will have to prepare themselves for. Don’t be left behind.

This is the biggest thing to happen to TVs since the introduction of color. Digital television is no longer a subject discussed only among the techno-savvy and gadget-obsessed. It’s now a hot topic ignited by the United States government, fueled by cable providers and electronics retailers, and spread in the everyday conversations between even the most casual consumers. You can try to avoid the escalating digital hype, but by February 2009, the digital transition will hit home whether or not you’re ready for it.

The switch from analog broadcasting to digital has been years in the making. In the 1990s, Congress passed a mandate to change TV broadcasting from analog to digital to free-up more bands of the broadcast spectrum for public safety and emergency services, as well as for popular wireless services. Currently, most TV stations broadcast on digital and analog channels, with over 1,600 out of 1,745 full-power stations broadcasting digital programs. After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations are required by law to end analog broadcasts.

David Rehr, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, considers this digital television transition “the most significant advancement of television technology since color TV was introduced.” Television broadcasters will be able to offer programming with characteristics similar to DVDs: higher quality pictures without the typical TV interference or “snow.” But you don’t have to see DTV to tell the difference; the multi-channel digital surround sound, including Dolby Digital 5.1, will turn casual TV watching into a theatrical experience.

For many people, these benefits will come at a cost. Consumers who use an antenna on an analog set and do not subscribe to cable or satellite will need to upgrade in order to continue receiving television programming. Upgrading can be done in one of three ways: purchase a digital converter box (also known as a set-top box or converter box), purchase a digital television or subscribe to cable or satellite.

Digital to Analog Converter Box

On February 18, 2009, the curbs will not be cluttered with 70 million analog television sets and antennas. These TVs will continue to work after February 17 with the addition of a digital converter box. Because DTV broadcasters have been designated channels in the VHF and UHF bands, antennas should also continue working as long as a DTV signal is available - so don’t throw out the rabbit ears just yet.

The digital converter box is an electronic device that hooks up to an analog TV set to convert digital signals to analog signals. Converter boxes, priced from $40 to $75, can be purchased at electronics retailers across the country. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is currently providing an opportunity for consumers to cut down on the price of the digital transition. Each household may receive up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of digital converter boxes. However, the NTIA is offering enough coupons to supply only half of the nation’s households. To receive these coupons while they last, consumers must apply online as soon as possible at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-388-2009.

Cable and Satellite

Depending upon the service provider, some cable customers may also need a digital set-top box to receive and convert DTV signals. Satellite customers may need a different set-top box to receive high definition programming. Because no single information source claims to be 100% certain of exactly how the transition will affect all cable and satellite customers, the only way to know for sure is by contacting your provider.

Cable network channels such as MSNBC, Lifetime and CNN are not required by law to make the digital transition. However, some cable providers, such as Comcast, are removing popular channels like these from basic cable and offering them only in a digital broadcast tier.

Although most cable customers will be able to receive basic cable without a converter box, there may be few channels left to watch. In order to receive additional channels (including ones that were once staples in basic cable service), consumers are thus forced to upgrade their service in addition to purchasing a digital converter box.

A New TV

If you want to take advantage of the full quality of DTV, you won’t need a converter box - you’ll need a new digital television set. Contrary to popular assumptions, going digital does not mean going broke. As the prices of electronics continue to fall, most households are able to afford a digital televisions of some kind - Standard Definition, Enhanced Definition or even High Definition.

Standard Definition television is the basic digital TV format; its quality is comparable to traditional analog television. Like analog TVs, SDTVs can deliver up to 480 interlaced (480i) lines of resolution and are transmitted in 4×3 ratio. Unlike analog, SDTVs can include the 16×9 widescreen aspect ratio.

Although it has the same resolution as SDTV, Enhanced Definition television provides a smoother picture because it has progressive scanning rather than interlaced scanning. EDTV can also be in 4×3 or 16×9 ratio with a resolution of 480 x 640 or 480 x 720 pixels.

The superior quality of “pure” High Definition is achieved through the combination of an HD television and an HD signal. With more lines of resolution and smaller gaps between scan lines, images on High Definition televisions are two to five times sharper than those on Standard Definition televisions. HDTVs can cost as low as $200 for a small screen LCD, or as high as $15,000 for a large flat-panel plasma. The options of HD resolution include 1080i (with more lines and pixels) or 720p (with progressive scanning for smoother images), but the difference is virtually undetectable unless the TV screen is very large. High Definition programming shown on an HDTV - 1080i or 720p, over-the-air or cable, DLP or plasma - is a strikingly significant upgrade from Standard Definition.

Buying Advice

As of March 1, 2007, all new TVs are required to include digital tuners. While retailers may continue to sell their pre-existing stock of analog-only TVs and devices, they must indicate in a Consumer Alert that the product is analog-only.

When shopping for a new digital television, be on the lookout for product labels with tricky wording. Televisions with labels such as “Digital Monitor,” “HDTV Monitor,” “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready” do not necessarily include a digital tuner, which means the additional set-box may still be required. Labels such as “HD Built-In” and “Integrated HDTV” mean a digital tuner is included. The best and easiest way to find out is by contacting the retailer or product manufacturer.

What is the DTV transition and when will it take place?

It is is the gradual transition and preparation for a switch from analog to digital television signals. On February 17th, 2009 all full-power stations in the United States will no longer broadcast in analog and will only broadcast in digital.

Will this affect me?

If you have an older analog TV it will not work for the viewing of free television after February 17th. Your analog TV will continue to work for the use of cable, satellite, and also for movies and video games. If you get a DTV converter box you will be able to continue using your old television.

Why have television stations chosen to go through the transition?

The transition is taking place mainly to help benefit consumers. After the transition consumers will be able to get better picture and sound quality. The digital transition will also free up airwaves for emergency services and provide consumers will more programming options.

Will the transition affect my TV if I subscribe to cable or satellite?

If you subscribe to a paid service such as cable or satellite it will not affect you.

How can I figure out if my TV is analog?

If your television does not have a digital tuner then it is an analog televisoin and will require a converter box. The easiest way to check it has a digital tuner is to look at your owner’s manual. If you do not have your owner’s manual you can check the internet for information.

Is there a quicker way figure out if my televisions is digital or analog?

If it was made before 1998 then it will be analog. If it is a big screen over 42 inches and was made between 1998 and 2005 then there is a decent chance that it has a digital tuner. If it was made after 2004 then there is a very very good chance that it has a built in digital tuner.

What must I do to be able to continue watching television on my old television?

To continue using your analog television you will need to either get a converter box or subscribe to satellite or cable.

What is a digital converter box?

A digital converter box is made to hook up to your televisiong and convert signals so that you can watch them on your old television.

What is the digital converter box coupon program?

The coupon program is a program that provides analog television owners with a $40 coupon toward the purchase of a digital converter box.

Is the government sponsoring the converter box coupon program?

Yes. The NTIA was appointed by the house and senate to handle the coupon program.

How do I install my converter box?

You can install your converter box by hooking it into your TV. Installation is very easy and should not take more than 5 minutes. You should consult your owner’s manual if you have any trouble installing it.

In the beginning, television was analog. The system was basic, and dependable most of the time. However, nearly sixty years later, the demand for more channels and better quality has led to the development of digital tv. It allows for more information to be packed into the signal, which increases not only the number of channels, but a better and more stable picture. Over the next few years, many countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom will be shutting down analog broadcasts and replacing them with digital. The only problem is that sets made up until a few years ago cannot decipher digital signals. A new television or a compatible converter box will be required to view the new format.

The deadline for the switchover in the UK is 2012. One exciting system to emerge that will improve tv watching no matter what kind of set you have, is Freeview. This is the next-generation of free, over-the-air broadcasting. With the advent of cable and satellite systems, having an aerial on the roof of your house was seen as old-fashioned, almost quaint. But Freeview changes all that. It’s a serious contender with other methods of delivering content to your screen, with around 40 different channels. The cost is ‘free’ as you would expect, but it’s largely funded by the license fee required for all television sets sold in Britain. Most new televisions and digital video recorders have a Freeview receiver built in. If you have an older analog only tv, you can purchase an inexpensive set-top box that pulls in the digital signals and converts them to analog for your set. Set-top boxes were originally being sold for around £50, but you can now get many for less than £20.

You can also get a Personal Video Recorder, or PVR, with Freeview built in. It works much like a VCR, except it records either onto a built-in hard drive, or DVDs. Most feature on-screen menus to allow you to program what you want to record. Unlike recording with videotape, there’s no chance of recording over something previously taped. You can peruse the onscreen menu to see what you’ve already recorded, and there’s no stack of unlabeled VHS tapes everywhere. A 250 gig hard drive will record around 160 hours of shows, which would be a mountain of tapes to wade through. And you can upgrade to larger hard drives over time, if you choose.

After that, the only other expense you may incur is to have your rooftop aerial either re-pointed or replaced. As with the television sets themselves, the antenna may only be capable of pulling in analog signals. TV signals in the UK were originally set up around certain frequencies, with various channels assigned to a particular frequency. This helped to prevent signal bleed from areas of overlap. But with digital signals, this is not required, so analog aerials often have poor reception for digital broadcasts. This shows up on-screen as ‘blocking’, where small blocks of the picture are missing, or delayed. Also the sound will not sync up properly with the image. When this is the case, replacing the aerial is the best option. A properly certified technician can also determine if the aerial should be re-pointed towards a different broadcast tower, to get the best possible signal.

Once you have either a new digital-friendly television or a converter box, and you’ve determined whether or not your current aerial will need to be replaced or not, it’s just a matter of plugging in and you should be all set. There is no monthly bill, no further service charge (other than your license fee, which is payable no matter what method you use to watch tv), nothing more to pay. The major broadcasters in the UK (the BBC, ITV, Channel Four and five) all have multiple channels available through Freeview, plus other providers like Dave, QVC, Virgin and even Sky. Freeview is a low-cost way to enjoy digital television, without having to replace your current set (if you want), or paying another monthly bill. 2012 is fast approaching - what will you be watching?