I can't even pinpoint when I switched to digital cable in my life — it just happened naturally (and probably when I moved), like tech evolution. So of course, like anyone else with digital cable already, I don't have to worry about how I'll be affected by the federally mandated shift from analog to digital cable.
For people who aren't already on digital (or have a newer, digital TV) though, there will be some unpleasant transitions. Converter boxes will run about six bucks per TV set, service installations of said boxes will cost people upwards of $60, and despite the availability in some places of government subsidies to help out, it will most likely be a big inconvenience. So I'm wondering, for cable subscribers, do you still have analog cable?
Torrini
Promod
Pinko
I still have analog cable, and only 36 channels (a good chunk of which are either in french/other language or are news-related). I don't watch a lot of television, and if there's something I really want to see and I don't get the channel, I watch it online.
1We used to have satellite, so this issue was irrelevant. But we just switched back to cable, and I suppose we will need one of those converter boxes. I love watching TV. I'm not at home very often, but when I am I enjoy watching TV, especially the channels that I don't have at my dorm. This shift freakin' stinks.
2honestly I have nooo idea
3I've never had cable. My family managed to get the internet, even upgrading to DSL, but still no cable!
4To tell you the truth I have no idea what so ever. I guess I will find out come sometime next year when I turn on my television and it won't turn on lol.
5I'll probably switch to digital cable at that point, but something made me think this only applied to people still using "bunny ears" to get their TV signal..?
6Yeah, Xandara is right. You might wanna update your post so as not to further the already widespread confusion on this issue.
Check this brochure for the facts:
7http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/PreparingForTheDTVTransition.pdf
I agree with the above two posts... While some people are phrasing it to make it sound like you're screwed if you don't have a TV that says HD (I think the TV manufacturers have had a hand in the wording) the bottom line is that you're screwed only if you use rabbit ears to get your regular non-digital programming (but you gotta read really hard sometimes to get that understanding). I definitely think that there's already lots and lots and lots of confusion over the issue and this post definitely needs updating.
8I have digital cable. And yes this only applies to people who use an antenna to get a signal.
9I have DirecTV.
10I use bunny ears.
And I agree with CharismaGal and the others, you will only need to worry if you are using an antenna. Many companies want you to think that you need to buy a new TV or upgrade your cable service - NOT TRUE! If you pay for your television service, you do not need to do anything.
From the post: "Converter boxes will run about six bucks per TV set, service installations of said boxes will cost people upwards of $60"
Um, not exactly. I bought two converter boxes, $49 each, with two $40 coupons from the gov, so I paid $18 total for both. And I'm not sure about companies offering installation services - never heard of that - but I can certainly plug mine in myself, for free.
11I don't have cable, just the antenna. My mother thinks it's hilarious that I have tivo but not cable. I live in a major city and get great reception with the ol' rabbit ears, why pay for cable? I watch too much TV as it is. Also, I'd lose my beloved Korean dramas if I got cable, since they're only broadcast over-the-air.
12All about the bunny ears... we used our coupon from the govt. and got a converter box for about $10. The picture is crystal clear and we get a few more channels, which is nice.
I just may never upgrade to cable.
13Regarding the article that is linked to in the post, which claims that those with older TVs will need to rent a special converter box from their cable company, this is from DTV.gov:
"If I have an older analog television, will I have to throw it away after February 17, 2009?
No. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV to watch over-the-air digital broadcasts. You do not need to get rid of your existing analog TV. In addition, analog sets should continue to work as before if connected to a subscription service such as cable or satellite TV. Also, analog sets should continue to work with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products that you use now."
14I have AT&T U-verse. It's kinda like cable but niftier...and cheaper.
15i'm a digital cable girl all the way now. i can't even remember the last time that i didn't have digital. it's kind of funny since one of my coworkers doesn't even have cable.
16the link to this story says people who have cable that plugs in through the back of the tv(no bunny ears cable) are still going to have to upgrade and get that box? This really sucks because We have a tv in every room of our house -5 total! My parents won't be happy bc we thought it was just antenna cable that was affected. Grrr
17i have digital included with my rent.
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