FCC finally schedules a test for DTV transition
|
|
The following comments relate to this news article:
article published on 9 May, 2008
With the scheduled date for nearly all analog TV broadcasts in the US to be shut off just over the horizon, the FCC is finally getting around to some real world testing. Wilmington, North Carolina has been chosen for the tests, in part because all the local broadcasters already have digital signals available. On September 8 WWAY, WSFX, WECT, WILM-LP, and W51CW will turn off their analog ... [ read the full article ]
Please read the original article before posting your comments.
|
oscarin
Junior Member
|
9. May 2008 @ 14:25 |
Link to this message
|
Imagine if everything fails in the test? Is there enough time to make arrangements for plan B?
|
Advertisement
|
  |
|
oscarin
Junior Member
|
9. May 2008 @ 14:25 |
Link to this message
|
Ooooppsss ... gee I forgot.... there is no plan B
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. May 2008 @ 14:27
|
AfterDawn Addict
1 product review
|
9. May 2008 @ 16:22 |
Link to this message
|
Glad I don't live in Wilmington.
|
AfterDawn Addict
1 product review
|
9. May 2008 @ 16:23 |
Link to this message
|
Originally posted by oscarin: Ooooppsss ... gee I forgot.... there is no plan B
What are you talking about ? They don't even have a plan "A".
|
Staff Member
2 product reviews
|
9. May 2008 @ 21:49 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
Originally posted by oscarin: Ooooppsss ... gee I forgot.... there is no plan B
What are you talking about ? They don't even have a plan "A".
Now that's just ridiculous. Crossing your fingers and praying is a plan....
It's just a stupid one.
|
AfterDawn Addict
1 product review
|
9. May 2008 @ 21:54 |
Link to this message
|
@Vurbal, I stand corrected. They have a plan, I just wish it was a better plan.
"The flimsier the product,the higher the price"
Ferengi 82nd rule of aqusition

|
Member
|
10. May 2008 @ 00:45 |
Link to this message
|
@vurbal
Crossing your fingers and praying is what you do after too much prune juice and no facilities in sight!.....
Oh wait that's what this plan is isn't it?! Silly me!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 10. May 2008 @ 00:46
|
LHIE
Newbie
|
10. May 2008 @ 14:54 |
Link to this message
|
I have cable and they can't decide whether to continue with the basic chanels in analog or switch to all digital. If they go to all digital then those people with analog TVs are screwed. The DTV converters the Government is pushing will not work with cable so the cable subscribers have to either rent (or buy) cable boxes for each TV they have or buy new digital TVs. Not good!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 10. May 2008 @ 14:55
|
JRude
Junior Member
1 product review
|
10. May 2008 @ 16:04 |
Link to this message
|
<TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a TV converter box from this program to receive programs after February 17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009.>
From; https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
I have two converter boxes for over the air broadcast and couldn't be more pleased! Using the Govt supplied ''coupons'' cost me $10 each. A MUCH better pic and electronic program guide. Channels available in HD I didn't know existed! And hey! The microwave in kitchen causes no interference in the signal like STV signal does! All this on RABBIT EARS! I am 15-20 miles max from broadcast stations. My worst channels before come in crystal clear! NO snow or lines!
|
LHIE
Newbie
|
10. May 2008 @ 21:21 |
Link to this message
|
Quote: TVs connected to cable, satellite, or other pay services do not require a TV converter box from this program to receive programs after February 17, 2009. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009. From; https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
That's not entirely true. According to the FCC, it's up to the individual cable companies to determine what they want to do. They have two choices: 1) Continue sending analog signals along with digital signals, or 2) Send only the digital signals.
What that means is, IF the send analog then you won't notice the difference, but IF they go to digital only, then you need a cable box with the "cable card" for EVERY television you have hooked up to the cable. That will be very expensive if you have 4, 5 or even 6 TVs hooked up to cable.
|
JRude
Junior Member
1 product review
|
11. May 2008 @ 15:47 |
Link to this message
|
<Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009.>
CALL them.
|
LHIE
Newbie
|
11. May 2008 @ 17:05 |
Link to this message
|
Quote: Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine how they will support your analog set after February 17, 2009. CALL them.
I have called them. As I said in my first post on this subject, they haven't made up their minds yet. At least that's what they're telling the public. They have three years AFTER Feburary, 2009 to make things "permanent." They can change what they're doing any time up to that point. In other words, we don't know. The most likely scenario is the one that makes them more money, which is to drop the analog transmissions and sell or rent more cable boxes.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 11. May 2008 @ 17:06
|
Advertisement
|
  |
|
JRude
Junior Member
1 product review
|
12. May 2008 @ 16:55 |
Link to this message
|
Change your provider or byte the bullet. Vote with your wallet. If 5-6 TV's hooked up I doubt $$$ is an issue. Principles? Principles are bought and sold on the market.
|