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To help people who cannot afford new TVs the federal government will be subsidizing the sale of digital tuners for older TV's and each household is entitled to two coupons for the boxes. For more information on the transition to digital, visit the FCC's Web site www.dtv.gov. |
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NOTICE: Digital TV Deadline The FCC currently has a February 17, 2009, deadline for the transition to all digital broadcasting. On this date, all analog broadcasting will stop, and consumers will need to buy converter boxes to receive programming on their older TVs. This means anyone without a digital TV or a set top box will not be able to watch TV. This deadline has been pushed back several times in the last few years because of both broadcasters' and consumers' inability to meet the FCC's criteria for a successful transition to digital broadcasting. TV stations must have the equipment to send digital broadcasts, and consumers must have the TVs to receive them. Cable and satellite services have digital set up and you should check with them to see if you need any additional equipment. Is your TV digital? By March 1, 2007 all new TVs sold must come equipped with digital tuners. Check it for labeling with : DTV, ATSC, or Built-in Digital Tuner. If you don't have a digital TV then you will either have to buy one or buy a converter box. If your current TV has the initials "DTV" appear somewhere on its front, or its screen is rectangular, you're probably OK. If you still have the owner's manual, check there whether the tuner is digital. The new signal could mean the picture on some televisions will improve, but it doesn't guarantee high-definition visuals. That depends on whether a particular TV is set up to receive high-definition programming and whether a program is broadcast that way. If you're looking to replace your TV and pay the least then consider a Standard Definition digital TV which are cheaper than High Definition digital TVs (HDTV). If your TV is older than 10 years consider replacing it for safety reasons. As the wiring in TVs heats and cools they get brittle and can be a fire hazard. Another safety tip: if your TV is on all the time (uses a remote) unplug it when going out of town. |
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HDTV Buying Tips 1. If you can't afford a HDTV, than you shouldn't buy it yet. Know that zero-percent financing is a gimmick. People think that because they qualified for a zero-percent financing that they can afford it. If you don't pay for the TV within the promotional time period, you'll pay interest as if it had been accumulating from the date you bought it. 3. If you buy online or have the unit shipped to you make sure that you can insure it. Check the box for damage before signing for it. Open the box and test it. Report any damage immediately. Check out this HDTV amazon store. |
GLOSSARY: Page 1
4:3
The width-to-height ratio of standard televisions.
16:9
The width-to-height ratio of widescreen TVs and HDTVs. This screen ratio is presently considered the mostlikely contender to be adopted by the ATV committee for future widescreen broadcasts.
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Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC)
Also known as ATSC, the committee responsible for digital television standards and development, as well as all 18 formats of DTV.
A/D
Analog to digital conversion (or converter). Used at transmission end of broadcast
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NOTICE: Digital TV Deadline The FCC currently has a February 17, 2009, deadline for the transition to all digital broadcasting. On this date, all analog broadcasting will stop, and consumers will need to buy converter boxes to receive programming on their older TVs. This means anyone without a digital TV or a set top box will not be able to watch TV. This deadline has been pushed back several times in the last few years because of both broadcasters' and consumers' inability to meet the FCC's criteria for a successful transition to digital broadcasting. TV stations must have the equipment to send digital broadcasts, and consumers must have the TVs to receive them. Cable and satellite services have digital set up and you should check with them to see if you need any additional equipment. Is your TV digital? By March 1, 2007 all new TVs sold must come equipped with digital tuners. Check it for labeling with : DTV, ATSC, or Built-in Digital Tuner. If you don't have a digital TV then you will either have to buy one or buy a converter box. To help people who cannot afford new TVs the federal government will be subsidizing the sale of digital tuners for older TV's. If you're looking to replace your TV consider a Standard Definition digital TV which are cheaper than High Definition digital TVs (HDTV). If your TV is older than 10 years consider replacing it for safety reasons. As the wiring in TVs heats and cools they get brittle and can be a fire hazard. If your TV is on all the time (uses remote) unplug it when going out of town. |
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To apply for a $40 coupon to be used towards the purchase of a converter box you beginning Jan 1, 2008 you can call 1-888-388-2009 or visit this website: www.mydtv2009.gov For more information on the transition to digital, visit the FCC's Web site www.dtv.gov. |
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