Receiving Digital Television Signals
Consumers are discovering that the transition from analog to digital television may require a new antenna in addition to the new converter boxes. This problem is not totally inclusive to those living in rural areas but those living in dense populated cities, as well. Thanks partially to the Apply, Try and Buy programs these little glitches are being discovered. Many consumers who were able to get their shows on analog signals are not able to get them when they switch over to digital-analog converter boxes.
There are still a lot of issues to be worked out before the transition to digital television. Consumers have been told that once the switch over has been completed on February 17th, 2009, there is no going back to analog television.
Consumers have been told to buy radios in case of a power failure or emergency situations. In a society where technology is continually advancing, this may ultimately be a huge step back. Foreseeing any natural or unnatural disasters in the future consumers are concerned that they will be cut off from the world. There is a fairly large percentage of the population who are not physically or financially capable of buy or putting up new roof top antennas required for the transition.
Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) are all aware of these not only potential but apparently existent glitches in the new system. They are looking into the matter. With only four months left to go before the forced transition deadline in February 2009, no immediate plans have been announced to extend the deadline.
Source: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6601852.html?industryid=48696
Written by acwriter
Consumers React To Forced Digital TV Conversion
I remember in one of the futuristic movies we once watched, a scene in which a little girl was amazed her parents were once able to watch free television. Back then we all laughed, because we could still get free television. However, consumers are now concerned that free television is becoming a thing of the past and many are not happy about it. Due to FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulations all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. This transition will take effect on February 17, 2009.
Consumers are upset that they do not have a choice in this major transition. In our democratic society we were not given the opportunity to vote on this very impactful legislation. We have only been informed that this is now the law and we will not be able to get television signals into our home without special costly equipment. You may read that these boxes are not very expensive; however to those on a low or fixed income the fact they even have to buy one is unrealistic.
Yes, the government has been so very kind in offering the nation a $40 coupon for these boxes. However, these coupons are only good for 90 days from when they are mailed out to you. As many of us know in the condition of our current postal system we may not get these coupons for a minimum of two or three weeks from when we order them. We are only allowed to order two coupons per household. If you have more than two television sets in your house or if your converter boxes become damaged then you will have to pay full price for these required boxes that have been priced between $49-$70. According to the lettering on the coupon it is only good for certain models of boxes. Customers are having difficulty finding these particular models in the stores in which they shop.
We are living in a time of financial uncertainty. The stock market is unstable, the oil prices are fluctuating with shortages in some areas, and most importantly the American dollar is no longer backed by precious metals as in the past; such as gold, silver or even copper. We are in the middle of a possible multi-billion dollar bail-out of our bank system. Where will they get this money? Possibly they will just print more. There again, many people would rather the government let them decide where this extra money should go. We should have the choice whether to spend it on paying off our mortgages, bank loans, credit cards, etc. But, alas once again we as the American democratic people have no vote in the matter. Of course, we understand that we can’t be consulted on every issue that comes before the house or senate committee. But, the financial issues that will affect us personally we want as patriotic American citizens to have the right to decide our futures. We can only put so much trust in the politicians we elect to office, as many promises are made in campaigns and yet not kept.
For those who have already bought the digital-analog converter boxes, they have found that there are pros and cons to these boxes. As with any new technology coming out, there may be problems that are not initially known. Some customers are complaining they cannot get a signal in their area with the new boxes. On the positive side, the majority of customers can get a signal and are finding out they are getting more channels with better quality. Many customers may not be immediately affected by the new change. The majority of customers who are paying for service already through cable or satellite, feel that this transition will not affect them. Direct TV does advertise that their services are already completely digital. They do mention that if you get your local channels thru an antenna depending on the type of receiver you have you will; have to buy the new converter box, upgrade your package or do without your local channels. However, not all of the cable and satellite providers are claiming to be completely digital or express confidence in the service their customers will receive after the transition. Some companies seem to have the wait and see mentality that is also shared with a percentage of consumers. If you are not certain what stand is currently being taken by your specific provider, it is recommended that you contact them personally.
Consumers are now faced with the possibility, of having to pay for television shows regardless of their financial condition or do without television all together. In a society where we have become accustomed to watch television on a daily basis, this would be a drastic change for many. Housebound consumers, poverty stricken consumers for example depend on the television to bring some joy to their existence. Also a concern is that more of today’s youth population will turn to the streets for entertainment if they can’t get it thru television. In conclusion, with a presidential election just around the corner bringing with it all the implications and uncertainty of a new president coming into office, consumers are definitely concerned about the forced transition.
Written by acwriter
Apply, Buy, and Try DTV - NTIA’s New Campaign Message
The NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration), which oversees the converter-box coupon program, has begun a new campaign to inform consumers about this switch to digital television.
Apply, Buy, and Try DTV. With these three simple steps, consumers can apply for dtv coupons, buy a converter box, and try using the set top box with their existing analog television immediately.
Meredith Attwell Baker (head of the NTIA) Tuesday (9/31/08) held a conference call with reporters to kick off the “Apply, Buy, Try” campaign, but placed emphasis on the “Try”
a lot of folks who either: did not know how to set up the boxes; didn’t know they needed to scan, or rescan, for DTV channels; or did not know they might not get a signal because of antenna or station-coverage issues.
Other notable items from the NTIA conference call are
- it might take 2-4 weeks to process the dtv coupon requests
- those who apply are actually buying them rather than letting the coupons expire, as they do within 90 days
- consumers may need hook up and troubleshoot the converter boxes before they work correctly
Winegard RCDT09A - First Battery Powered Converter Box Available Soon
The Winegard RCDT09A will be the first digital-to-analog converter box on the market to be powered by battery, and it’s elgible for use with the $40 converter box coupon card. This is great news for consumers who use a portable analog to get news updates during power outages or emergency situations.
The RCDT09A can be operated off of standard power AC adapter, or (purchased seperately) battery pack.
The battery pack is sold separately and will require six D batteries. Winegard reports that the RCDT09A can last up to 18 hours before the batteries need to be changed.
CNet reports a huge negative for the device for those looking for overall performance:
The RCDT09A technically has an EPG, but it’s about as basic as they get. You can see program data for the show that’s currently on, and if you hit right on the directional pad you can see the programs coming next. Overall, we much prefer EPGs that let us see many programs and channels at a time, like the EPG on the Dish Network TR-40 CRA or even the simpler EPG on the RCA DTA800B1.
So it looks like the EPG (also known as an electronic program guide) is pretty limited. It’s a bit of a setback for those looking to have an all purpose converter box that can be used on the road or at home.
Considering this dtv box is the only option right now on the market for getting a portable television to convert to digital television, I think consumers can overlook the EPG.
DTV Boxes - What are they?
What exactly is a dtv converter box (also known as digital-to-analog converter box)?
If you watch TV over-the-air, using an antenna or “rabbit ears,” you will need to either convert your old analog television by connecting a converter box to it or purchase a new television with a digital tuner by February 17, 2009.
A digital television converter box is used to convert an analog television to accept digital television broadcast signals. The device itself (like the one pictured to the left), looks similar to a set top cable box, but it’s important to note that over-the-air dtv converter boxes cannot be used in conjunction with basic cable service.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is issuing each household up to two $40 coupons to help consumers with purchasing converter boxes.
