Is there a date cable and satellite TV transition from analog to digital?

Question

I know the date for over the air transition from analog to digital is February 17, 2009. I heard there is going to be a transition from analog to digital for cable and satellite in 2011. Is that true?

Answer 1

I believe this only applies for cable companis...as satellite is ALREADY digital and has been digital since day 1.

Answer 2

Yes. The major cable companies are fighting the FCC because they want to transition faster but 2011 is currently the year set. If the cable companies do it sooner, you'll just need a box for each  non-digital tv that you have hooked up to cable. Verizon Fios got an exemption from the rule and is now giving boxes away (for free) to its' subscribers who have TVs hooked up with no box. I assume the cable companies will have to do the same to get exemptions.

Answer 3

No. Cable companies are not required to switch to digital service. Cable companies may choose to make their service all or partly digital, but they are not required to change from the analog service they offer today. In fact, the FCC requires cable companies to continue to provide local stations in analog as long as they provide any analog service, even after February 17, 2009.