Yes. No need to buy a new VCR and DVD player just yet. HDTV and DTV sets are compatible with existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, video games, etc.), but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.
If you decide to make a complete overhaul of your entertainment system to digital, there are high definition DVD players available: the “Blu-Ray” system from Sony and the “HD-DVD” system from Toshiba.
A report from Nielsen says that nearly 10 percent of U.S. households are not ready for the digital television transition, with Hispanic households behind the general market.
You can read the entire story here.
You may be wondering what all the DTV buzz is about. On February 17, 2009, the nation will complete its move from analog television to a new way of broadcasting called DTV (Digital Television). Television stations must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format when this transition takes place. Digital television (DTV) provides higher-quality pictures and audio than analog as well as more programming choices than ever before.
Did you know that KETC has three other digital channels?:
If you don’t receive these channels, you might need to get a converter box that enables you to receive DTV broadcast signals with an antenna. But don’t worry. There’s a government coupon program that can help.
You can request coupons in these ways:
If you chose to mail or fax your request for a coupon, you can request an application form by calling 1.888.DTV.2009. Coupons are available to all U.S. households on a first-come, first-served basis.
The New York Times recently published an article detailing how important it is to have the correct antenna position to receive a digital television signal. As the article notes, while an analog signal degrades gradually, a digital signal will remain uniformly crisp until the signal gets weak, then disappear completely (known as the “cliff effect”).
You can read the full article here.
Broadcast & Cable recently published an article reporting that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has the authority to allow consumers to reapply for the digital-TV-to-analog converter-box coupons, which expire 90 days after being issued.
You can read the full article here.
