Why do ppl with antennas on their television have to get rid of it in 2009?

Question

I just want to kno why and wat will happen.

Answer 1

Antennas pick up an analog signal. In 2009 It will all be digital signals. Yes you can get a convertor box. you can get those from your local cable company for FREE, there is no charge for them.

without the convertor you will not have a picture on your tv only snow.

Answer 2

I would suggest the following site to help you out.

Answer 3

As I understand it....you can keep the antenna, but you won't get any channels because all channels are going digital. I believe there is some kind of box that you can buy which will allow you to "upgrade" a non-digital TV. If you currently have a TV that can do cable and/or a cable box or satellite, I believe you will be fine.

Answer 4

No one has to get rid of antennas. In fact if you are using an antenna to get your TV signal instead of cable or satellite then you will still need an antenna after Feb 17th 2009. The signal will be changing from analog to digital but they are still going out over the airwaves so you will still need an antenna to pick them up.

Your old TVs had NTSC (analog) tuners built in so now you will need an ATSC (digital) tuner for the new signal. This can be built into the TV like pretty much all built after June 2007 and TVs over 25" after June 2006 (Built, not sold. Some analog TVs are still being sold but they were built before the deadline). If your TV doesn't have the digital tuner built in then buy the $50 digital converter box and mail in the $40 government rebate for it. This box will by connected between the antenna and the TV and you will change channels on it.

None of this applies to people who get their TV signal from cable or satellite. They are unchanged and satellite is all digital already.

Answer 5

Because those tv's rely on analog signals, after next Feb. analog signals wont exist anymore ,,,only digital ones will be broadcast.

And an antenna cannot pick up a digital signal.

P.S. Those tv's will still work if you buy a converter box for them, they are available now i believe...if not they soon will be.