Get your 40 dollar coupon for the digital tv transition.

[KK]

With broadcast tv going digital, you'll need a converter box if your tv doesn't support it. The government is giving out 40 dollar coupons. Get them while you can.

Link

 

[BradT]

Sorry for living under a rock, but when does this go into effect?

 

[OdiN]

Can I somehow get a free $40 outta this? If not, then I don't care.

 

[her209]

Link doesn't work.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: BradT
Sorry for living under a rock, but when does this go into effect?

413 days per the website.

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: BradT
Sorry for living under a rock, but when does this go into effect?

Feb. of next year. Don't remember the date.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: BradT
Sorry for living under a rock, but when does this go into effect?

read the link.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: her209
Link doesn't work.

sorry bout that.

 

[OdiN]

The thing I'm wondering is are they going to just move to digital broadcasts, but keep the signals at SDTV resolution or will everyone move to at least 720p?

 

[IGBT]

..we may be the last (US) to transition. europe,japan and others are a few years into it.

 

[Freejack2]

The site is up now, but considering that:

1) I can't even find a place to buy these converter boxes yet and
2) The coupons are only good for 90 days.

I'll wait.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: OdiN
The thing I'm wondering is are they going to just move to digital broadcasts, but keep the signals at SDTV resolution or will everyone move to at least 720p?

they're going to discontinue NTSC broadcasts and have only ATSC broadcasts. ATSC can broadcast high or standard def. i'm guessing some things will remain at 480i/480p, particularly things that require smaller, lighter cameras (like amazing race). also, stations around here tend to have multiple sub channels, with one HD, and two SD. so, you'll get the main ABC feed on one, some childrens programming on another, and then local weather on the last.

 

[FoBoT]

but you don't need that box for satellite, right?
who actually uses an antenna anymore anyway?

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Hmm this is interesting. I currently have a MythTV setup with a Hauppauge PVR-150 and a SiliconDust HDHomerun. It seems without the converter box my PVR-150 will be useless after the switch.

I hope it doesn't also mess with my channel lineup.

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
but you don't need that box for satellite, right?
who actually uses an antenna anymore anyway?

..I get 30+ hd channels over the air from Sutro Tower. And HD over the air looks sharper then thru the box HD.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
but you don't need that box for satellite, right?
who actually uses an antenna anymore anyway?

<- Raises Hand

Of course, I'm using an ATSC tuner in my HTPC, so I won't need a converter.

 

[wedi42]

Originally posted by: Freejack2
The site is up now, but considering that:

1) I can't even find a place to buy these converter boxes yet and
2) The coupons are only good for 90 days.

I'll wait.

the coupons won't be mailed out until the boxes are available.

 

[cw42]

This only matters for OTA right? Analog tv will still be sent through the wires correct? (which means my analog pc tv tuner should still work)

 

[0roo0roo]

i just wanna know how much the stupid boxes are gonna cost.

 

[PottedMeat]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
i just wanna know how much the stupid boxes are gonna cost.

I think one of the articles quoted $59-69.99

 

[tyanni]

Originally posted by: cw42
This only matters for OTA right? Analog tv will still be sent through the wires correct? (which means my analog pc tv tuner should still work)

My understanding is that the cable companies will also stop providing analog cable as an option - only digital will be offered. I could be wrong, however.

 

[Throckmorton]

I don't understand how there is supposed to be a transition when no one sells these boxes yet, and AFAIK most CRTs can't tune digital.

 

[TwiceOver]

The transition was supposed to happen years ago. I don't see this actually happening any time soon. Probably another 2+ years away from full HD conversion.

 

[DeadByDawn]

Just more bandwidth for gov't mind control, suckers.

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: MrPickins

Originally posted by: FoBoT
but you don't need that box for satellite, right?
who actually uses an antenna anymore anyway?

<- Raises Hand

Of course, I'm using an ATSC tuner in my HTPC, so I won't need a converter.

I've got the tv hooked up straight to the rabbit ears. no other tv source, cable internet, but i just don't have the time/inclination to pay money to watch more tv than I currently do.