HDTV FAQs

This page should answer questions on the change over to Digital television here in the USA February 17th 2009.

As of Feb 17th 2009 everyone that receives standard network Television with an antenna will be effected.

All TV stations will cancel standard analog broadcasts forever.

They are all currently broadcasting in High Definition.

If you are subscribed to satellite or cable,you will need not do anything.You will still need to purchase a HD TV to receive optional HD channels from these services.

For others receiving channels off air will loose all standard analog channels.Your current TV will receive just snow after Feb 17,2008.

All current TVs are High Definition and have built-in HD tuners.You need not purchase anything extra other than an antenna.

If you own a Television set pre 2001,will need to purchase a basic digital box converter. Approx cost $70.00.

The Federal government is offering 2- $40.00 coupons per household to help defer the cost of the boxes.

The HD converter box is smaller than a DVD player and easily hooks up to the TVs antenna connection or video input.

You can use your current indoor or outdoor antenna for digital reception .

Results with your new converter box:

You have a crystal clear picture with NO ghosts or interference.The picture will NOT be high definition.It will still be flawless and near perfect over what you are currently watching.

If your set is HD ready,It is advised to purchase a High Definition converter over the standard digital box.These boxes retail in the $200.00 price range.They deliver High definition pictures.

Important:

Hook the HD box to the"DTV"inputs.Most HD ready sets from 2001 have a DTV input for 1080i HD pictures.

HD sets with standard component only will be limited to 480i HD.
They will receive High Def pictures,just at a lower picture resolution.

If you own a TV that has a HD tuner built in,you need NOT purchase a box.

Just hook up the antenna to the coax antenna jack and auto program your set for your local HD channels.

With HD reception,one will have double or triple the channels over what they are currently receiving.

Each main channel has multiple sub channels.Lets say you tune in on channel 8,1.Now hit the remote "up" button and you will have 8,2 Channel 8.2 will have a different program from 8.1.Press the remote button again.Now you are at sub channel 8.3.Again another program.

In the Phoenix Arizona area,Channel 8 has 4 sub channels with programing.Channel 21 has 5.Other stations will be adding more channels as we get closer to the 2008 deadline.

Using your remote will be the same as before.You will have more channels to view and its all free.

The local ABC .NBC networks have a second 24 hour weather channel
with added programing.It is nice to catch the weather at any time of the day.

The advantage of HDTV is crystal clear.Your pictures are flawless and super clear. It is like looking threw a window.No more Ghosting or line images that analog TV once had.It is great living in the digital age.

By Michael Godar