Digital Television: Why The Conversion?
We am here today to give you all some answers about the digital broadcasting transition and explain the reasons and benefits of the digital transition. Hopefully these answers will help you all to see why the digital TV broadcasting transition is a good thing for all of us and not just another way for big corporations to make more money.
As we have said before, on February 17Th, 2009 at midnight all full-power television stations will switch to a 100% digital broadcasting signal and will no longer provide any analog TV signals. The reasons for this digital broadcasting transition are listed below.
Better Picture Quality and Sound Quality?
After the Digital Broadcasting transition most viewers should see improved clarity and color. This is indeed true for anyone that has a Digital Television but this could be untrue for anyone that is using a digital converter box. For those using an analog digital converter the results have been mixed. Some have found that they get a better picture while other have found that with the analog to digital converters they no longer get some channels. Still again, others have found that they get more channels with their analog digital converter
More Programming Options?
Comcast has said that the digital TV broadcasting will open up the opportunity for additional channels and multi casting. This means that channels will be able to provide sub channels at no extra costs to the consumer. For example, channel 4.0 might be able to also provide channel 4.1 that airs its most popular shows at different times of the day. Then it could also provide channel 4.2 for the airing of local weather forecasts all day.
Digital television broadcasting will also allow for significantly better closed-captioning options that are not available with analog TV.
Improved Emergency Services Communications?
After the digital broadcasting transition some of the analog airwaves, known as the spectrum, will be opened up to emergency services such as police and firefighters. The plan here is to use these airwaves to help emergency services provide citizens with better communications.
Those are the three main benefits of digital broadcasting. The most obvious benefits include a better picture and more programming options.
If you have an old analog TV and want to see the full benefits of the digital broadcast transition you will need to purchase a new analog digital TV. You can also get a analog digital converter or subscribe to a paid service like cable or satellite but it will have to be the more expensive digital services since there is no digital cable converter at this time.
For more answers about the digital broadcasting transition please see our related posts about the analog to digital converter transition.
Digital TV Converter Reviews
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Why Have A Digital Television Transition?
Digital Television: Why The Conversion?
We am here today to give you all some answers about the digital broadcasting transition and explain the reasons and benefits of the digital transition. Hopefully these answers will help you all to see why the digital TV broadcasting transition is a good thing for all of us and not just another way for big corporations to make more money.
As we have said before, on February 17Th, 2009 at midnight all full-power television stations will switch to a 100% digital broadcasting signal and will no longer provide any analog TV signals. The reasons for this digital broadcasting transition are listed below.
Better Picture Quality and Sound Quality?
After the Digital Broadcasting transition most viewers should see improved clarity and color. This is indeed true for anyone that has a Digital Television but this could be untrue for anyone that is using a digital converter box. For those using an analog digital converter the results have been mixed. Some have found that they get a better picture while other have found that with the analog to digital converters they no longer get some channels. Still again, others have found that they get more channels with their analog digital converter
More Programming Options?
Comcast has said that the digital TV broadcasting will open up the opportunity for additional channels and multi casting. This means that channels will be able to provide sub channels at no extra costs to the consumer. For example, channel 4.0 might be able to also provide channel 4.1 that airs its most popular shows at different times of the day. Then it could also provide channel 4.2 for the airing of local weather forecasts all day.
Digital television broadcasting will also allow for significantly better closed-captioning options that are not available with analog TV.
Improved Emergency Services Communications?
After the digital broadcasting transition some of the analog airwaves, known as the spectrum, will be opened up to emergency services such as police and firefighters. The plan here is to use these airwaves to help emergency services provide citizens with better communications.
Those are the three main benefits of digital broadcasting. The most obvious benefits include a better picture and more programming options.
If you have an old analog TV and want to see the full benefits of the digital broadcast transition you will need to purchase a new analog digital TV. You can also get a analog digital converter or subscribe to a paid service like cable or satellite but it will have to be the more expensive digital services since there is no digital cable converter at this time.
For more answers about the digital broadcasting transition please see our related posts about the analog to digital converter transition.
Digital TV Converter Reviews
We am here today to give you all some answers about the digital broadcasting transition and explain the reasons and benefits of the digital transition. Hopefully these answers will help you all to see why the digital TV broadcasting transition is a good thing for all of us and not just another way for big corporations to make more money.
As we have said before, on February 17Th, 2009 at midnight all full-power television stations will switch to a 100% digital broadcasting signal and will no longer provide any analog TV signals. The reasons for this digital broadcasting transition are listed below.
Better Picture Quality and Sound Quality?
After the Digital Broadcasting transition most viewers should see improved clarity and color. This is indeed true for anyone that has a Digital Television but this could be untrue for anyone that is using a digital converter box. For those using an analog digital converter the results have been mixed. Some have found that they get a better picture while other have found that with the analog to digital converters they no longer get some channels. Still again, others have found that they get more channels with their analog digital converter
More Programming Options?
Comcast has said that the digital TV broadcasting will open up the opportunity for additional channels and multi casting. This means that channels will be able to provide sub channels at no extra costs to the consumer. For example, channel 4.0 might be able to also provide channel 4.1 that airs its most popular shows at different times of the day. Then it could also provide channel 4.2 for the airing of local weather forecasts all day.
Digital television broadcasting will also allow for significantly better closed-captioning options that are not available with analog TV.
Improved Emergency Services Communications?
After the digital broadcasting transition some of the analog airwaves, known as the spectrum, will be opened up to emergency services such as police and firefighters. The plan here is to use these airwaves to help emergency services provide citizens with better communications.
Those are the three main benefits of digital broadcasting. The most obvious benefits include a better picture and more programming options.
If you have an old analog TV and want to see the full benefits of the digital broadcast transition you will need to purchase a new analog digital TV. You can also get a analog digital converter or subscribe to a paid service like cable or satellite but it will have to be the more expensive digital services since there is no digital cable converter at this time.
For more answers about the digital broadcasting transition please see our related posts about the analog to digital converter transition.
Digital TV Converter Reviews
Nile Cruise
This is a popular venue for tourists and residents alike. I have done it twice, but 2nd time was with family tourists so missed some of the sites - I was templed out. The trips are usually 3 or 4 days and start from Luxor or Aswan - get there by air from Cairo. Short flights. Note the plane you take will say Aswan but stops in Luxor - so be sure to get on correct plane.
Tourists usually accept what ever cruise ship is on offer from the travel agent, if on a prepaid tour. And even if you could chose, it is not easy select one cruise ship over another as information seems scant But there is a local travel agent (Panorama in Maadi) that at least has a list of the 4 and 5 star boats with pictures. See this link. I suggest try one that has balcony off the room. Ones I took had a bay window and sealed shut. I missed being able to air out the room, or feel breeze without having to trundle up to sun deck.
I will ask about at my local watering hole and if anyone suggests a specific boat (won't call these ships) they really liked and I will add it here with and edit entry. Or please leave a comments about any cruise boats experience. "good, bad, and ugly"
Tourists usually accept what ever cruise ship is on offer from the travel agent, if on a prepaid tour. And even if you could chose, it is not easy select one cruise ship over another as information seems scant But there is a local travel agent (Panorama in Maadi) that at least has a list of the 4 and 5 star boats with pictures. See this link. I suggest try one that has balcony off the room. Ones I took had a bay window and sealed shut. I missed being able to air out the room, or feel breeze without having to trundle up to sun deck.
I will ask about at my local watering hole and if anyone suggests a specific boat (won't call these ships) they really liked and I will add it here with and edit entry. Or please leave a comments about any cruise boats experience. "good, bad, and ugly"
Monday, June 2, 2008
List Of Coupon Eligible Digital TV Converter Boxes
Below you will find a listed of each coupon eligible digital TV converter box. This digital converter box list is provided by the government and was obtained through the NTIA.
All of the TV converter boxes listed below are eligible for the $40 off coupon that is being provided by the government to converter analog TVs. It is possible that there are other digital converter boxes that are eligible but this is the most exhaustive list that is currently available.
If you have any questions about whether another digital TV converter box is eligible for the digital tv converter box coupon program check with your local electronics retailer and they should be able to give you information on any digital TV converter box models that they have in stock.
If you are interested in reading about any of these converter boxes just click on the hyperlink and it will take you to a review of that particulr converter box.
Coupon Eligible Digital TV Converter Boxes
List Of Coupon Eligible Digital TV Converter Boxes
Below you will find a listed of each coupon eligible digital TV converter box. This digital converter box list is provided by the government and was obtained through the NTIA.
All of the TV converter boxes listed below are eligible for the $40 off coupon that is being provided by the government to converter analog TVs. It is possible that there are other digital converter boxes that are eligible but this is the most exhaustive list that is currently available.
If you have any questions about whether another digital TV converter box is eligible for the digital tv converter box coupon program check with your local electronics retailer and they should be able to give you information on any digital TV converter box models that they have in stock.
If you are interested in reading about any of these converter boxes just click on the hyperlink and it will take you to a review of that particulr converter box.
Coupon Eligible Digital TV Converter Boxes
Getting an Digital TV Converter Box Coupon
After the DTV transition (February 17th, 2009 at midnight) any television that use a conventional antenna with analog TV will no longer work. In order to continue using these old TVs and pick up digital broadcasting signals you will have to purchase a digital TV converter. Digital TV converters will help save Americans a lot of money since it will allow them to continue using their old TVs. Unfortunately these same people will still be have to purchase the digital converter boxes for $50-$75.
In order to help lessen the burden on consumers the federal government has come up with a coupon program that will allow them to save $40 on the purchase of a new digital TV converter box. The program allows each household to request 2 coupons with each one being good for a savings of $40 on their purchase.
Who is eligible to receive a digital analog converter coupon?
All households in the United States and its territories are eligible. The government will be providing an initial total of $1.4 billion in coupons with the first $890 million available to anybody and the remaining $510 million available only to those that do not have cable or other paid television services. This means that there are 22.25 million coupons available in the first batch and another 11.25 million of the restricted coupons. Once the funds are exhausted there will not be any additional ones made available.
When can I apply for a analog digital converter coupon?
The government will begin accepting requests for coupons on January 1, 2008 and will continue accepting request through March 31, 2009. While supplies last. It is expected that all funds will be gone long before March and requests should be made by the fall of 2008 to be sure you get a coupon.
How can I get my own analog digital converter box coupon?
There are four different ways that you can request an analog digital converter coupon. You can request a coupon by mail, through the governments toll-free coupon program phone number, through the governments coupon website, or by fax. Each of these ways is very simple and easy. In order to get your converter coupon you are required to give them your name and address. You are also required to answer one question about your television services and then specify whether you are wanting 1 coupon or 2 coupons. The government has also setup a telephone number for anyone that is hearing impaired.
If you are interested in submitting your application for a coupon over the internet just go to the governments DTV transition website. You can also call the governments 24-hour coupon program hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (Hearing Impaired: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY)). Another option includes faxing your coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2. The final option you have is to mail your coupon application to P.O. BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
Can coupons be requested through other means such as libraries?
The government is working vigorously to see about other options and locations for offering coupons for digital TV converters but as of today there are not any other options available besides the ones listed above. Some retailers that sell digital analog converters have begun to make coupon applications available at their stores. Applications can be picked up at these stores but will still have to be mailed to the government for processing and receipt of the actual coupon.
How long does it take to receive my coupon once requested?
The government has setup the following staggered dates for when your coupon will be mailed. These are based off of when you submitted your application for a coupon. Delivery is expected 2-9 days from the target mail date.
What will my digital TV converter coupon look like?
Converter coupons will look like the typical plastic gift cards that you receive from retail stores. These cards will not carry any sort of stored value on them and can only be used for the purchase of a TV converter.
How many coupons can I request?
The government has set a limited of 2 coupons per household. This basically means 2 coupons per mailing address. The coupons can be requested at the same time or at separate dates.
Can people in nursing homes or group homes request more than 2 digital analog converter coupons?
The government has specific census definitions and they will adhere to these policies regarding the distribution of coupons. Basically put, a household is defined as separate living quarter with a separate mailing address. Anyone who falls into this category can request their own two coupons.
Can someone make a coupon request for another individual that is physically or mentally unable?
Yes, but they will need to use the address and name of the person they are making the coupon request for.
Can I have my analog digital converter coupon/coupons mailed to a P.O. Box?
The government will accept applications from PO Box address only for those homes where individual home mailing addresses are unavailable. Some examples include Indian Reservations, Alaskan Native Villages, and extreme rural areas.
Where can I find more information about the DTV Transition and the analog digital TV coupon program?
More information the DTV Transition and the coupon program can be obtained by calling the governments 24-hour coupons program hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
In order to help lessen the burden on consumers the federal government has come up with a coupon program that will allow them to save $40 on the purchase of a new digital TV converter box. The program allows each household to request 2 coupons with each one being good for a savings of $40 on their purchase.
Who is eligible to receive a digital analog converter coupon?
All households in the United States and its territories are eligible. The government will be providing an initial total of $1.4 billion in coupons with the first $890 million available to anybody and the remaining $510 million available only to those that do not have cable or other paid television services. This means that there are 22.25 million coupons available in the first batch and another 11.25 million of the restricted coupons. Once the funds are exhausted there will not be any additional ones made available.
When can I apply for a analog digital converter coupon?
The government will begin accepting requests for coupons on January 1, 2008 and will continue accepting request through March 31, 2009. While supplies last. It is expected that all funds will be gone long before March and requests should be made by the fall of 2008 to be sure you get a coupon.
How can I get my own analog digital converter box coupon?
There are four different ways that you can request an analog digital converter coupon. You can request a coupon by mail, through the governments toll-free coupon program phone number, through the governments coupon website, or by fax. Each of these ways is very simple and easy. In order to get your converter coupon you are required to give them your name and address. You are also required to answer one question about your television services and then specify whether you are wanting 1 coupon or 2 coupons. The government has also setup a telephone number for anyone that is hearing impaired.
If you are interested in submitting your application for a coupon over the internet just go to the governments DTV transition website. You can also call the governments 24-hour coupon program hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (Hearing Impaired: 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY)). Another option includes faxing your coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2. The final option you have is to mail your coupon application to P.O. BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
Can coupons be requested through other means such as libraries?
The government is working vigorously to see about other options and locations for offering coupons for digital TV converters but as of today there are not any other options available besides the ones listed above. Some retailers that sell digital analog converters have begun to make coupon applications available at their stores. Applications can be picked up at these stores but will still have to be mailed to the government for processing and receipt of the actual coupon.
How long does it take to receive my coupon once requested?
The government has setup the following staggered dates for when your coupon will be mailed. These are based off of when you submitted your application for a coupon. Delivery is expected 2-9 days from the target mail date.
| Your Application Approval Date | Target Mail Date |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2008 | 2/29/2008 |
| January 2, 2008 | 3/14/2008 |
| January 3 - 6, 2008 | 3/21/2008 |
| January 7 - 13, 2008 | 3/28/2008 |
| January 14 - 30, 2008 | 4/4/2008 |
| January 31 - February 16, 2008 | 4/11/2008 |
| February 17 - 24, 2008 | 4/18/2008 |
| February 25 - March 10, 2008 | 4/25/2008 |
| March 11 - 23, 2008 | 5/2/2008 |
| March 24 - April 7, 2008 | 5/9/2008 |
| April 8 - 22, 2008 | 5/16/2008 |
| April 23 - May 7, 2008 | 5/23/2008 |
| May 8 - 22, 2008 | 5/30/2008 |
| May 23 - 30, 2008 | 6/20/2008 |
| May 31 - June 6, 2008 | 6/27/2008 |
What will my digital TV converter coupon look like?
Converter coupons will look like the typical plastic gift cards that you receive from retail stores. These cards will not carry any sort of stored value on them and can only be used for the purchase of a TV converter.
How many coupons can I request?
The government has set a limited of 2 coupons per household. This basically means 2 coupons per mailing address. The coupons can be requested at the same time or at separate dates.
Can people in nursing homes or group homes request more than 2 digital analog converter coupons?
The government has specific census definitions and they will adhere to these policies regarding the distribution of coupons. Basically put, a household is defined as separate living quarter with a separate mailing address. Anyone who falls into this category can request their own two coupons.
Can someone make a coupon request for another individual that is physically or mentally unable?
Yes, but they will need to use the address and name of the person they are making the coupon request for.
Can I have my analog digital converter coupon/coupons mailed to a P.O. Box?
The government will accept applications from PO Box address only for those homes where individual home mailing addresses are unavailable. Some examples include Indian Reservations, Alaskan Native Villages, and extreme rural areas.
Where can I find more information about the DTV Transition and the analog digital TV coupon program?
More information the DTV Transition and the coupon program can be obtained by calling the governments 24-hour coupons program hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
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