February 17, 2009. That is the last day you will be able to watch analog TV channels. Even with HDTV becoming more common in households all over the country, for every flat panel LCD or plasma set that is out there, our guess is that there are at least 2 to 3 older analog sets. Considering the large existing base of analog TV's, the existence of the Digital Television Coalition is probably a good thing.
News Alert!: The End of Analog TV
The last thing you want is to be watching CSI Miami one day only to come back the next and find out that you suddenly don't have a watchable TV. So start saving those pennies to pony up for a new HD set or you can remain nostalgic and simply go with a digital to analog converter box and stick with your old TV set.
via Engadget
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OK, how can you tell if you have an analog tv? Is every tv that is not HDTV an analog?
Any TV that isn't digital (and that includes HD and SD, anything with a "D") is analog. Some units sold in the past few years say they are HD ready, which means you can attach a digital cable or converter box and get a digital signal. Most are now being sold with tuners built in.
i just guessing here but when you say 2009 is the end of analog broadcasts, that's just for tvs with their antennas. if you have cable tv it won't matter which tv is hooked up to it, right?
and i guess my vintage sony tvs won't display broadcast tv?
Patrick,
You are correct. Your cable provider will give you a box for digital signals. You won't really get the true benefits of digital (clear pictures, extras, etc.), but you will still receive your programs. Only about 2% of the U.S. population still get terrestrial signals - meaning they use an antenna. Those TVs will go black once the analog signal is turned off, if they don't get some kind of converter box.
but what if you don't subscribe to cable?
I know that some states are pushing legislation for free, over-the-air, High Definition signals.
Please support this legislation.
Since the inception of television and the FCC - television was meant to be FREE. It was intended as a public service...
and in fact... cable television service first came about because people in rural and mountainous areas were unable to recieve antenna signals... so cable signals were invented to ensure that everyone had access to the airwaves.
TELEVISION IS MEANT TO BE FREE!
And I work in television - producing cable television shows as a matter of fact!
clickchick,
Many cities are currently broadcasting free OTA HD. I am not sure why any legislation is necessary. I don't think there is anything preventing stations from broadcasting HD other than the cost in upgrading equipment.
I believe that most stations are already broadcasting at least some OTA HD. And of course that is free. Ron is right, no need to man the barricades. Go here, use your zip code, and you can see what's showing. You can even filter to only show digital broadcast (aka free HD OTA): http://www.titantv.com
In Denver there is a fight to put additional towers on Lookout Mountain. Those towers would provide a free over-the-air HD signal.
I thought similar battles were being waged elsewhere.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5312731,00.html
"Late last year, Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., pushed through a last-minute bill granting federal licensees the right to build HDTV towers and facilities without local approval."