On t.v.commercials I see that they are saying that in 2009 t.v.'s without cable will not work, why is that?

Question

On t.v.commercials I see that they are saying that in 2009 t.v.'s without cable will not work, why is that?

Answer 1

The U.S. congress signed a bill that will put America in a new "Digital Age". the commercials are rights. Im February of 2009 all T.V.'s that don't have either a) cable b)satellite dish connection or c) a converter box will no longer work. right now all T.V.'s can receive a free air signal through an antenna. this signal is analogic and not digital. In February of 2009, transmission of this free air non-digital signal will cease and that is why T.V.'s without either of the 3 things i mentioned above will stop working. By the way, the converter box that you could buy will convert the signals into digital signals, but will only give you the channels that you had before 2009 (only the local channels) :( At least the gov. is giving out coupons to buy them so that they cost cheap. Good luck with your T.V.!  

Answer 2

BEcause it just wont work ya D O U S H

Answer 3

It is due to the government not allowing television stations to broadcast in anything but digital.  Many tvs using antennas need a converter box to decode the transmission into a picture with sound on your tv.  The government is also giving away coupons to help people get these.

Answer 4

They are turning off Analog Signal (The TV that it picks up if you don't have cable)  You can just get DTV Converter Box (they have government coupons) and it will be fixed

Answer 5

Weird, i have no idea.

That doesn't make sense though b/c you still need a TV for DVDS.

Answer 6

eveyrbody is switching to a box

Answer 7

Just Google D tv.

Answer 8

Because everything is switching over to Digital signal,the analog channels will no longer be in service to us,not that they won't be there its just the public won't be able to use them any more.One more way for control of the air waves.If you already have cable or satilite tv it won't effect you only those using antenna's.

Answer 9

no in 2009 tv will change to a digital format that means if you have an antenna it wont work but if you have cable you should be fine. i think that is what i think will happen im not an expert about thoguh

Answer 10

because its better

Answer 11

Everything is going digital. It WILL work with cable or satellite. It will NOT work without one or the other.

Answer 12

because its wasting oil so they would just do anything to save oil.

Answer 13

Broadcating will be in digital by 2009. You will need a cable box in order to recieve/convert the digital signal.

Answer 14

Signals put off by local stations have been done in analog and the FCC is throwing analog out of the window for a digital signal.  You will need a digital signal converter box to ensure your service isn't interrupted.  These will be available for purchase at local retailers in the coming months.  For more information and coupons on these converter boxes, vist http://www.dtv.gov/.

Answer 15

You do not have to get cable to see television after the changeover in February, 2009.  If you have a TV that is not 'HDTV' then you will need to get a 'converter box' (last I saw, they cost about $40 each, and may be free to some people with low incomes) to be able to see and hear it.  The reason is that in Feb. 2009, all of the 'broadcasters' must make the switch from 'analog' broadcast to 'high definition digital broadcast' ... and the older televisions can't pick that up when it happens.  You may think your tv is fine now, because stations put out both the analog and HD digital signals and your television picks up the one it can 'read' properly.  But 'cable' is trying to say that you need a cable to be able to watch television' and that is incorrect ... all you 'totally need' is the very inexpensive 'converter box.'  

Answer 16

Not only that you will need an HDTV.

If you don't have a tv set that is HDTV it won't work picking up the new signals.

All this technology keeps changing all the time.  My computer guy says if you buy a certain type of monitor he has rigged up a 30 dollar antenna and picks up free satellite signals getting about 30 satellite dishes.  It's not even illegal or anything.  So if you really want to know about technology, talk to the computer geeks who can tell you where you should be spending your money.

These new plasma and LCD tvs etc. cost a fortune...one broken screen and you'll need a new set pretty well. Considering they cost $3000 and a few years back were as high as $15,000 (yes I remember that clearly) and considering their life expectancy is only about 10 years you have to be a rich SOB or an idiot to rush out and spend that kind of money.

I'm perfectly happy with my cheap cable and just catching an hour or two of tv a night.  If you spend more time than that plopped in front of the tv you're wasting your life.

Answer 17

The FCC is forcing all broadcast TV signals that go through the air to go to digital signal. Right now, it is the original analog technology. Simply put, without a converter box, the tv's won't be equiped to receive the signals any more. It really is just a plot by the cable lobby to try to force poor people to get cable.

Answer 18

because then you have to pay for sattlite or something

Answer 19

thats not true.

Answer 20

Everyone is switching to digital.

:( unfortunatly