Switching From Analog TV to Digital

In 1928, an Inventor by the name of Philo Farnsworth developed the first working television. He broadcast a motion picture movie and the era of the TV was born. The popularity of these devices would quickly spread throughout the world and they would provide a very important source of not only entertainment, but also news, as people were able to instantly find out about current events. For the last eighty years, people have been able to receive a free TV signal, called an Analog Signal, through the air. Beginning on February 17, 2009, this Analog Signal will no longer be available and will instead be replaced by a Digital Signal.

Today, many different companies currently offer television service. There are several satellite companies, cable companies, and beginning recently, telephone companies that offer a television service. However, these all cost money, so some people prefer to receive the free analog signal.

Analog TV signals are transmitted through the air and do not cost anything to receive. Typically less channels are available in this manner, then you would receive with a paid cable service. Some TVs have built in antennas, but depending on the location, it is frequently necessary to buy an antenna to improve the analog signal.

During the nineties, congress passed several laws regarding the television industry. One of these laws required that all television company’s stop transmitting an analog signal. Instead, the companies are required to switch to a digital signal. A digital signal offers superior quality and also allows the companies to multi-cast. Multi-casting refers to sending several versions of a channel over the same frequency. This means that a station can transmit a news channel, their regular programming, and a movie channel on the same frequency. For the consumer, this results in many more options, as you are able to goto channel 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3.

What This Means to You

As a result of congress’s law requiring the switch from Analog to Digital TV, beginning on February 17, 2009, anyone receiving an Analog Signal will have to switch to Digital. Those that pay for their cable service will not be affected, but anyone that receives free TV over their air will have to make some changes.

Most newer TVs have built in Digital Receivers, so if you have a new TV or if you intend to purchase one, then you will not have to do anything to receive digital signal.

Those that are most likely to be affected are individuals who have older TVs and use Bunny Ears or other antennas to receive TV. These individuals will have to purchase a Digital TV Converter Box or a Digital TV Antenna. The Digital TV Antenna, works just like a set of bunny ears and plugs into the back of the television. A Digital TV Converter Box is also very similar, but you would have to plug your antenna into the digital TV converter box and then plug your converter box into your TV. To help cover the cost of the analog to digital switch, the government is offering 2 coupons to every household. These coupons can be used to cover up to $40 towards the cost of a digital converter box and can be redeemed at most large stores and many places online.

While those that receive a paid cable service, such as from the satellite company, will not be effected, beginning in February, Analog TV Antennas will no longer work.