Digital broadcast TV question?

Question

We currently have cable TV, becasue without it, we cannot get any reception AT ALL on free TV. My question is: Once the switch to Digital broadcast TV occurs, do you think we will be able to pick up the signal without cable (with a converter box, of course)?

Answer 1

Hi Amanda



This is pretty much imposable to answer without knowing where you are. Try this, here is a link to the map book in the FCC's database:



http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/



Find your city and look at the maps for the stations. The solid lines are the Digital signals and the dashed lines are analog coverage. If you are included in the solid lined area, you should be able to get something with a suitable antenna. These maps are calculated from the engineering data each station filed with their DTV transmitter application.



There will be some changes and improvements after the analog channels are freed up next month and these maps should be a pretty good predictor of the final results.



I hope this helps.



ADDITIONAL ANSWER:



Analog towers not being maintained? That is a ridiculous answer! Whomever told you that was just trying to get rid of you. The signal is a TV station's product, it's how they make money and stay in business. They are *always* maintained.



If you are in a covered area, then you need a better antenna. Visit http://www.antennaweb.org . Based on your zip code the site will suggest antennas for your unique situation and give you guidance on where to aim them.

Answer 2

There are 3 main ways of receiving a digital picture:



1 - Cable TV

This requires a subscription and you are aware of how the system works.



2 - Freeview (Digital Terrestrial Aerial)

You can receive a digital picture using a compatible aerial and decoder box or a tv with a built in digital tuner. It is dependent on the reception in your area if you will be able to receive this. At the switch over they will boost the digital power but by how much is anyones guess.



3 - Satellite systems (Dish)

There are a few forms of these systems now, some are not contract system so there is no monthly fee. For example the new BBC freesat boxes or a sky box that you no longer pay a contract on you will be able to view about 200 FTA stations.



If you are in an area where there is no or poor digital reception through tv aerials i would recommendd a non-contract satellite system to get your digital reception without paying a contract.

Answer 3

(This answer assumes you are located in the US)



>do you think we will be able to pick up the signal without cable



If you can't get analog TV broadcasts now, it is very unlikely you will get reliable digital reception.



The range of the digital broadcasts is generally about the same as the current analog broadcasts. Of course, it's not exactly the same.



If you have the foresight to get a government coupon, it will only cost you $10 - $20 for a converter box to try out. I recommend the Zenith/Insignia model for areas with marginal reception.



>we cannot get any reception AT ALL on free TV



Do you mean that no one in the area can get it, or just you? You can check at the web site below to see what sort of signals you should be getting and what an appropriate antenna for your location would be.

Answer 4

The US had rather strict rules for it, both in that TVs and other deivces had to have digital tuners by certain dates, and that all major stations had to turn off their analog transmitters, plus they had a strong public information campaign (and dis-information on the part of pay TV providers), and the coupon/box program. The Canadian system is comparatively lax, in that there is no public information campaign at all, no coupon or discout box program, no requirement all transmitters go digital (only 30 some major markets, and those on channels 52 and higher), and with that, the official wording is those stations just "turn off analog"

Answer 5

Yes! After Feburary 17, 2009 all analog signals will switch to digital and without a converter box your TV will be useless for regular TV. Unless you have cable or Dish or just use it for games or to watch DVD's. So yes you will be able to watch TV after the switch as long as you have a analog to digital converter box.

Answer 6

If you are saying that all of your TV's are connected to cable service, then you will be fine for the transition.