Why do we all need digital cable by Feb. 2009?

Question

I know its because we need to switch or else we won't get any cable shows, but why do we need digital anyways?

Answer 1

It's to further technology. TV has been using analog air signals since it's inception. It's time for a change. Plus it's better quality...

Answer 2

Because analog is obsolete. Even without cable you will be able to get more channels.

Answer 3

All broadcasts will only be in digital as of 2/09, so that is why we need digital cable.

Answer 4

First of all, you don't need digital cable.  If you currently subscribe to a cable/satellite services, chances are you don't need to do anything at all as the cable/satellite companies will likely take care of converting the signal for you.    

It's a different story however if you get your channels using "rabbit ears."  What you simply need is a digital-to-analogue converter box which the government will partially subsidise by means of upto 2 $40 coupons per household.  If you have enough cash though, you can also purchase a new television (make sure it's digital ready but there are labels/warnings saying certain sets aren't) or subscribe to a cable/satellite service.      

A better way of framing this question is how will digital TV benefit you.  One obvious advantage is that it will produce clearer picture and sound quality and a station can transmit more channels while using a fraction of the bandwidth currently taken-up by analogue TV.

Answer 5

I don't believe that. lol!

Answer 6

Long term (even if not talking about cable TV) frequencies used by old standards will have to be freed up for new standards because capacities are limitied.

I's the same in Germany right now for example where the use of certain old analog wireless phones becomes illegal at the end of the year because the frequencies are needed for other fields of use in the near future. That's the way things work.

Answer 7

The digital transition only effects BROADCAST TV. If you have cable already, nothing should change.