How To Upgrade Old Televisions
To Receive Digital Signals
In a large metro area like the Twin Cities, it’s always been easy to receive local television signals without having to pay for cable or satellite service. But, if you’re one of those people who have taken that access for granted, be aware that big changes in over-the-air signals may soon affect how you enjoy your favorite programs.
On February 17, 2009, all TV stations in the United States will cease broadcasts on their current analog channels, in favor of high-definition digital signals that provide better picture quality and sound. What does that mean to you? If your TV is more than a few years old, or has an analog-only tuner, it will not receive over-the-air TV signals after the conversion is made.
But rest easy. There are resources available to help you navigate the pending analog-to-digital conversion —possibly allowing you to keep your existing TV set.
Why Tuners Matter
Boiled down, a tuner is the device that receives a broadcast signal and converts it into a form you can watch on different TV channels. Many older TV sets sold before 2007 are were not required to have built-in digital tuners. That means they will not be able to process the new over-the-air signals without an analog-to-digital converter. That product is expected to arrive on the market this spring, along with a $40 government coupon to help defray the cost of the changeover. The transition from analog to digital broadcasting can be confusing, since many people mistakenly believe it is a switch from analog to high definition broadcasting. Here are two key points from the Federal Communications Commission to help you understand the differences:
• Digital broadcasting allows for high definition broadcasts, but you do not need to buy a new high definition TV (HDTV) to watch such programming.
• While you can view HDTV signals on a standard definition digital TV (or on an analog TV hooked to a digital-to-analog converter box), it won’t be in full HD quality.
Still Confused?
Halsten Entertainment can help. Halsten offers a free, in-home analysis of your current home entertainment systems, and will prepare a recommendation on how to maximize the new viewing opportunities digital broadcasting provides.
Check The Source
When it comes to making decisions about digital TV, it’s wise to start by reviewing your current source for broadcast signals. These can include:
Antenna: Televisions that get their signals from a rooftop or tabletop antenna are most vulnerable to this analog-to-digital changeover. If you have a newer TV with a built-in digital tuner, you will still need to buy a UHF antenna to receive the new signals. If you have an older TV, you’ll need both a UHF antenna and an analog-to-digital converter box.
Cable: Since cable carriers plan to support analog TV, you should receive the same level of reception after the switch takes place. However, if you want your current digital TV to receive premium channels in high definition, you’ll need to get an HD box from your cable provider.
Satellite: Like cable, satellite providers will support analog signals in the near term. However, upgrading to HD programming means you will need to change both your satellite dish and receiver. Halsten Entertainment offers this upgrade service for DirectTV customers.
Moving Forward
While you can adapt an older analog TV set to receive a digital signal, there are limitations to that approach. For example, almost all network programming in primetime is now broadcast in the HD 16:9 widescreen format, so the picture may appear compressed or chopped if you’re watching on a square 4:3 TV set. Additionally, you won’t get full HD digital quality on an analog set. As a leader in HDTV and home theater systems, Halsten Entertainment can help you sort through the analog-to-digital maze. With four full-time installation crews backed by a team of experienced system designers, Halsten has successfully set up thousands of residential and commercial TV systems during the past decade.
When it comes to the long-term enjoyment you can receive from a well-designed TV or home theater system, don’t settle for less than the best. Visit an experienced, knowledgeable resource to help you choose the modern TV technology that’s right for you.
Tips For Upgrading Televisions To Receive Digital Signals
• Know the deadline. On February 17, 2009, all U.S. TV stations will cease broadcasting on existing analog signals in favor of digital transmissions.
• Know your TV. If you have an older TV set with an analog tuner, you can upgrade it to receive digital signals.
• Know your signal source. If you currently receive an over-the-air signal (with a tabletop or rooftop antenna) and have a digital or HDTV, you may need to get a UHF antenna to get the full benefit of sharper picture and sound. If you have an older analog set, you’ll need both a UHF antenna and a digital-to-analog converter box. Cable or satellite services will be far less affected by the change.
Each U.S. household may request up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of converter boxes. After applying the coupon, participating retailers will charge consumers the remaining balance.
Now through March 31, 2009, or while supplies last, you can request a coupon in one of four ways:
• Apply online
• Call the Coupon Program toll-free 24-hour automated system 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
• Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Download a Coupon
Application here.
• Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
• Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.
Note that coupons expire 90 days after they have been mailed. The expiration date is printed on the card. Coupons cannot be reissued if they expire or are lost or stolen.
For more information, or to apply for a coupon, please visit www.dtv2009.gov
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