Can I still get analog cable service after february 2009?

Question

I was told by the cable company that I can still get analog cable service for my analog television after Februarry 2009. I just want to double-check their information (I don't trust call center reps)!

Answer 1

Yes, broadcast TV has to go digital, Cable can deliver their product any way they can sell it.  If you want analog they can provide it.

Answer 2

The Feb. 2009 deadline is when over the air analog stations in the USA must shut down. This does not effect cable or satellite service.

However, cable is moving to all digital as well and analog service will end in the not too distant future.

Hey RT, the 2011 rule for cable states that they cannot remove must-carry stations from their basic tier analog lineup and place them in a digital "package". The cable company can end analog service altogether now if they choose, some have. But they must still offer must-carry stations in the basic tier. Direct-to-home satellite has always been digital, so it's moot.

Answer 3

If you have cable you will still receive a signal.

Answer 4

Yes.  Cable and Satellite companies are required to support analog viewers until 2011.  Beware though, there have been reports of cable companies moving some non-required channels out of the analog tier and into the digital tier reducing the number of analog channels available to subscribers.  I have not heard of satellite systems doing that.

I hope this helps.